The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an separate review into the fire. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.