Hong Kong Establishes Judge-Led Independent Committee to Investigate Fatal Fire That Killed 151 People

China:

Hong Kong's leader John Lee announced on Tuesday the establishment of a judge-led "independent committee" to investigate the devastating apartment complex fire that claimed 151 lives last week, marking the city's worst fire disaster in decades.

According to authorities, the fire spread rapidly through netting used on exterior scaffolding that failed to meet fire-resistance standards, allowing flames to propagate quickly throughout the building.

"I will establish an independent committee to conduct comprehensive and in-depth review to reform the building work system and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future," Lee stated during an English-language press conference, confirming that a judge would lead the investigation.

While Hong Kong traditionally utilizes "commissions of inquiry" – a British colonial legacy mechanism typically led by judges for complex investigations – Lee specifically used the term "independent committee" for this investigation.

In discussions with AFP, Lee identified several systemic failures requiring reform in safety protocols, supervision mechanisms, construction standards, and maintenance requirements.

"We must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plugged so that those who are responsible will be accountable. The shortcomings will be addressed. The bottlenecks will be addressed," he emphasized.

"We will reform the whole building renovation system to ensure that such things will not happen again."

A joint investigation by Hong Kong's anti-corruption watchdog and police has resulted in 14 arrests, with 13 individuals facing manslaughter charges related to the fire.

Lee condemned the suspects as "evil," stating that "The responsible culprits tried to mix up substandard net with qualified nets so as to cheat inspection and law enforcement agencies."

While the tragedy has prompted widespread grief and demands for accountability, local media reported arrests of individuals seeking answers, including 24-year-old student Miles Kwan, reportedly detained for "seditious intent" after distributing flyers demanding government accountability.

An online petition containing Kwan's four demands, including calls for an independent investigation, garnered over 10,000 signatures within a day before being removed.

According to local media, two other individuals, including former district councillor Kenneth Cheung, were also detained by police.

When questioned about these arrests, Lee told AFP, "I will not tolerate any crimes, particularly crimes that exploit the tragedy that we have been facing now."

The fire, which broke out on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court's high-rise buildings in the northern Tai Po district, represents the deadliest residential building fire globally since 1980.

Police have completed searches in five of the seven affected towers, discovering victims' remains in apartments, hallways, and stairwells.

Some victims' families returned to Wang Fuk Court on Monday to commence traditional funeral rites, which are expected to continue.