The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Claimed Lives of 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force 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 Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by police, per local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.