Summary
Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, announced plans to create an independent committee to investigate a deadly fire that killed 151 people and injured nearly 80. The fire occurred in a housing complex and spread quickly, partly due to substandard materials used in renovations. Authorities have arrested multiple people in connection with the fire, and an investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
- A fire in Hong Kong killed at least 151 people and injured almost 80.
- The fire spread quickly through seven tower blocks in a housing complex in Tai Po district.
- Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, promised to set up an independent investigation to find out what caused the fire and why it spread fast.
- Investigators suspect that bad weather and low-quality materials used in building work made the fire worse.
- Fire alarms in the housing complex were not working properly.
- Authorities have arrested 13 people for suspected manslaughter related to the fire.
- An additional 12 people were arrested by an anti-corruption body in relation to the incident.
- Residents had been previously told that fire risks in their building were "relatively low."
