The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Took 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and took over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the blaze. An online petition collected more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also questioned by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.