Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

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

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

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

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people died.