🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Took 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals. Footage depicts speed of fire spread in Hong Kong high-rise. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations. A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said. The Probe and Its Consequences The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control. The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month. The fire is the most fatal the metropolis has witnessed in over 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed. Two other people, among them a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee stated that the committee would be chaired by a judicial officer. International Reaction The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count. Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception. The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals perished.