🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Blaze that Took 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people. Images depicts velocity of flames advancing in Hong Kong high-rise. A Fire of Historic Proportions On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a construction company. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month. The fire is the most fatal the metropolis has experienced in exceeding 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Local firefighters found that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per news outlets. Hong Kong's top official John Lee announced that the task force would be chaired by a judge. Global Response The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions. "This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census. Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.