The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.