Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.