🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's leader, 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. Video depicts velocity of blaze propagation in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations. No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks. This blaze is the deadliest the city has witnessed in over 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed. Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per press accounts. Chief executive John Lee stated that the inquiry would be led by a member of the judiciary. Global Response The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, per a population count. Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction. The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.