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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.