🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people. Video reveals velocity of flames advancing in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. At least 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks. The fire is the worst the region has experienced in over 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An online petition collected more than 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down. A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee stated that the inquiry would be led by a judicial officer. Global Response Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey. Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since its construction. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people died.