🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Took 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents. Images reveals rapid pace of blaze propagation in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance. At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could take three to four weeks. The inferno is the worst the metropolis has experienced in exceeding 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed. Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also taken in by police, according to press accounts. The city's leader John Lee announced that the committee would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. Global Response Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex since it was built. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.