🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Inferno that Killed 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals. Video shows velocity of flames advancing in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a construction company. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue. On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take several weeks. This blaze is the deadliest the region has witnessed in over 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed. Two other people, among them a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by news outlets. The city's leader John Lee announced that the inquiry would be headed by a judicial officer. International Reaction Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a population count. Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception. The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.