The city's Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and took over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to local media reports.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

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

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals died.