🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Took 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals. Images reveals rapid pace of fire spread in Hong Kong residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month. The inferno is the most fatal the metropolis has seen in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the fire. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down. A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also detained by police, according to press accounts. Chief executive John Lee said that the committee would be led by a judicial officer. International Reaction The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey. Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development from its inception. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.