🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals. Video reveals velocity of flames advancing in the city's high-rise. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," he said. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control. On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require three to four weeks. This blaze is the worst the region has experienced in over 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down. A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by local media reports. Chief executive John Lee stated that the inquiry would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. International Reaction The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests. "This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census. Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.