🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people. Video reveals speed of flames advancing in Hong Kong residential tower. A Fire of Historic Proportions On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations. No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could last three to four weeks. This blaze is the deadliest the city has witnessed in over 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in each building were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed. Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also detained by police, per local media reports. The city's leader John Lee said that the committee would be headed by a judicial officer. International Reaction Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development from its inception. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.