Hong Kong leader announces creation of 'independent committee' to investigate fire

Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, announced on Tuesday the formation of a judge-led independent committee to examine the catastrophic fire at an apartment complex that claimed 151 lives last week. Officials have described the blaze as the city's deadliest in decades, noting that it spread rapidly due to exterior scaffolding netting that failed to meet fire-resistance standards and did not prevent flames from spreading.

"An independent committee will be established to conduct a thorough review aimed at reforming the building regulations and preventing such disasters in the future," Lee stated at a press conference in English, emphasizing that a judge would head the committee.

In Hong Kong, there is a legal provision for setting up commissions of inquiry, typically led by judges to handle intricate investigationsa system inherited from British colonial administration. However, Lee referred to the new body as an "independent committee."

Speaking to AFP, Lee indicated that authorities had uncovered multiple failures in safety, supervision, construction, and maintenance, stressing the need for reforms. "We must take decisive action to close these gaps, hold accountable those responsible, and resolve existing shortcomings," he said. "The entire building renovation system will be overhauled to ensure such tragedies do not occur again."

The city's anti-corruption unit and police, conducting a joint investigation, have arrested 14 individuals, 13 of them on suspicion of manslaughter related to the fire. Lee criticized the suspects for attempting to substitute substandard netting for compliant materials to deceive inspectors and law enforcement, labeling their actions as "evil."

The incident has provoked widespread mourning and calls for accountability. Local media reported arrests of several people advocating for answers. Among them, 24-year-old student Miles Kwan was detained for "seditious intent" after distributing flyers demanding government responsibility. An online petition with Kwan's four demands, including a call for an independent investigation, collected over 10,000 signatures in under a day before being removed. Former district councillor Kenneth Cheung and one other person were also taken into custody.

Regarding these arrests, Lee told AFP, "I will not tolerate any crimes, particularly those that exploit the tragedy we are confronting."

The fire, the deadliest residential building blaze globally since 1980, erupted on Wednesday in the Wang Fuk Court high-rises in northern Tai Po. Police concluded searches in five of the seven affected towers on Monday, discovering victims' remains in apartments, corridors, and stairwells. Families of the deceased returned to Wang Fuk Court to begin traditional funeral rites, which are expected to continue.

Author: Sophia Brooks