🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals. Video depicts rapid pace of blaze propagation in Hong Kong tower block. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance. A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain. The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could take three to four weeks. This blaze is the worst the region has witnessed in exceeding 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in each building were not working effectively. Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition collected more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed. Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by local media reports. Chief executive John Lee said that the committee would be led by a judicial officer. Global Response The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions. "Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.