Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by police, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.