Hong Kong Tragedy: Judge-Led Inquiry Launched into Deadliest Fire in Decades

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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has announced a judge-led committee to investigate the cause of the city's deadliest fire in decades, which killed at least 156 people. The blaze, which occurred at the Wang Fuk Court complex last week, highlighted substandard building renovations that fueled the inferno. Authorities have arrested 15 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter and 12 on corruption charges related to the tragedy. The inquiry will examine the use of substandard materials, including plastic mesh and insulation foam, which contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. Investigators have completed sweeps of most of the burnt-out towers, finding residents' bodies in stairwells and on rooftops. Around 30 people remain missing. The search for remains and evidence may take weeks. The tragedy has sparked calls for greater transparency and accountability, with some groups demanding more information about the disaster. International rights groups have criticized the government's handling of the situation, accusing officials of attempting to suppress criticism. The city's residents have been warned of fire risks in the past, with authorities informing them last year that they faced 'relatively low fire risks' despite concerns about hazardous materials used during renovations. Thousands of Hong Kong residents have paid tribute to the victims, including nine domestic helpers from Indonesia and one from the Philippines. Vigils are planned in other cities, including Tokyo, Taipei, and London. As the investigation continues, the city's residents must now try to rebuild their lives. Nearly 1,500 people have been moved out of evacuation centers into temporary housing, with many more still displaced. The tragedy has left a deep scar on the city, with many calling for greater accountability and improved safety measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.