The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Took 151

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

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings 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 vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also detained by police, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.