🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Took 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents. Footage shows speed of blaze propagation in Hong Kong tower block. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations. At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could take three to four weeks. The inferno is the most fatal the region has seen in exceeding 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices 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 In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down. Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per press accounts. The city's leader John Lee said that the task force would be led by a member of the judiciary. International Reaction The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions. "This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count. Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.