The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works 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 charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by police, per news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people perished.