🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Killed 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals. Video depicts velocity of fire spread in Hong Kong tower block. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance. At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to contain. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require three to four weeks. The inferno is the deadliest the metropolis has seen in more than 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning. Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by press accounts. Chief executive John Lee said that the task force would be headed by a judge. Global Response The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census. Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction. The city's second-worst blaze on file took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.