The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees perished.