Hong Kong's leader John Lee has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.
Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex - which had been undergoing extensive renovations - went up in flames. Investigators have since found that a protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.
At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.
The fire is the deadliest the city has seen in more than 70 years, and the death toll could rise further as officials continue to recover bodies.
Chief Executive Lee stated that the committee would be led by a judge and aims to conduct comprehensive reform, emphasizing the need to enhance safety protocols and prevent future tragedies.
Lee acknowledged the necessity for reform but did not directly address questions regarding his job security. He affirmed that failures at various stages led to the incident and highlighted the significance of acting seriously to rectify loopholes.
The fire, which spread rapidly both upwards and between the blocks, was only fully extinguished by Friday morning, roughly 40 hours after it ignited, requiring over 2,000 firefighters to control it.
As the investigation unfolds, it is noted that many residents did not hear fire alarms when the blaze began, with authorities revealing that alarms across all eight blocks were malfunctioning. In response, Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily halted operations on 30 private construction projects.
In a separate development, police arrested a 24-year-old individual accused of sedition while taking part in a petition advocating for an independent inquiry into the fire. This online petition attracted more than 10,000 signatures within a day before being removed.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have publicly criticized the arrests, underscoring the need for a transparent investigation into the cause of the devastating fire.
The Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and housed approximately 4,600 residents, with around 40% of them being elderly individuals. The tragedy has sparked significant concern regarding fire safety regulations and building standards in the region.
