🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people. Images reveals speed of flames advancing in the city's high-rise. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a construction company. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," he said. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control. On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require several weeks. This blaze is the worst the metropolis has seen in over 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately. Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed. Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also detained by officers, as reported by press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee stated that the task force would be led by a judge. International Reaction The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, per a population count. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.