🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151 Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people. Video shows velocity of blaze propagation in Hong Kong high-rise. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control. That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month. This blaze is the deadliest the city has seen in more than 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was among a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped. Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by police, as reported by news outlets. The city's leader John Lee announced that the committee would be led by a judge. International Reaction Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization. Background and Resident Profile Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.