🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Fatal Fire that Took 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents. Images depicts velocity of blaze propagation in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a contractor. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control. On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require approximately a month. The fire is the most fatal the metropolis has seen in more than 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites. Demands for Probe and Detentions Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed. Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per local media reports. The city's leader John Lee announced that the task force would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. International Reaction Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions. "This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a population count. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.