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 would conduct comprehensive reform, emphasizing a commitment to prevent future tragedies. When asked about his own position amid the crisis, Lee acknowledged the need for reform but avoided directly addressing why he should retain his role.
The fire spread rapidly, affecting multiple tower blocks and was not fully extinguished until Friday morning—40 hours after it ignited—requiring over 2,000 firefighters to bring the blaze under control.
While authorities have initiated investigations, reports have emerged of police detaining individuals advocating for an independent inquiry into the incident, leading to criticism from human rights organizations urging transparency and accountability.
Wang Fuk Court, which was built in 1983, housed approximately 4,600 residents, nearly 40% of whom are elderly. This catastrophic incident underscores significant lapses in fire safety protocols that have now drawn widespread scrutiny in the region.
