🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents. Video shows rapid pace of fire spread in Hong Kong high-rise. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain. That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks. The inferno is the worst the metropolis has experienced in exceeding 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in each building were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was among a group calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down. Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, as reported by local media reports. The city's leader John Lee said that the task force would be headed by a member of the judiciary. International Reaction The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception. The city's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 people died.