The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Killed 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

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

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.