🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Deadly Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals. Footage depicts velocity of blaze propagation in Hong Kong residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks. This blaze is the deadliest the metropolis has seen in over 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. The city's fire department found that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately. The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down. Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by police, per news outlets. Chief executive John Lee announced that the inquiry would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. Global Response The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests. "Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 people died.