🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents. Footage shows speed of blaze propagation in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance. No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a construction company. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue. On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could require three to four weeks. This blaze is the worst the metropolis has seen in more than 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively. Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on numerous private sites. Demands for Probe and Detentions Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. Two other people, including a past council member, were also detained by police, according to news outlets. Hong Kong's top official John Lee stated that the inquiry would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. International Reaction The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests. "Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization. Background and Resident Profile The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census. Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception. The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.