🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents. Footage depicts speed of blaze propagation in the city's residential tower. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance. A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company. "This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain. The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month. The inferno is the most fatal the city has seen in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped. Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets. Chief executive John Lee announced that the inquiry would be headed by a judge. International Reaction The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.