🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Killed 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals. Video shows rapid pace of blaze propagation in Hong Kong high-rise. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations. A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," he said. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue. The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could take several weeks. The fire is the deadliest the city has witnessed in exceeding 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately. Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down. Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, as reported by local media reports. The city's leader John Lee said that the committee would be headed by a judge. International Reaction The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions. "The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built. The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people died.