The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151

Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire broke out. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.