Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Took 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

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 group calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.