Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Fatal Blaze that Took 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took over 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority 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 suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, according to press accounts.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.