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The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident started. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 people died.