Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Fire that Claimed Lives of 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.