🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people. Footage shows rapid pace of flames advancing in Hong Kong high-rise. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain. The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last several weeks. The fire is the most fatal the metropolis has experienced in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed. Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, per press accounts. The city's leader John Lee said that the task force would be led by a judicial officer. Global Response The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people died.