🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents. Images reveals velocity of blaze propagation in Hong Kong tower block. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance. A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last approximately a month. The inferno is the worst the region has seen in exceeding 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down. Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets. Chief executive John Lee stated that the inquiry would be chaired by a judge. Global Response The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests. "Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The housing estate was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census. Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.