🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal 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 took a minimum of 151 people. Footage reveals rapid pace of blaze propagation in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance. At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control. The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could require several weeks. The fire is the most fatal the city has witnessed in over 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning. Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed. Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, according to local media reports. Chief executive John Lee announced that the inquiry would be led by a judge. International Reaction The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions. "The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.