🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents. Video reveals velocity of flames advancing in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations. No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could take several weeks. The inferno is the deadliest the metropolis has seen in exceeding 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning. Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed. Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee announced that the task force would be headed by a judicial officer. International Reaction The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests. "The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was built in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built. The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 people died.