🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Took 151 Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals. Images shows rapid pace of blaze propagation in Hong Kong high-rise. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance. No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain. That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could take three to four weeks. This blaze is the worst the city has experienced in exceeding 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively. Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed. Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts. Chief executive John Lee announced that the committee would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. Global Response Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization. Historical Context and Demographics The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count. Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex from its inception. The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.