🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people. Images reveals velocity of fire spread in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance. A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to contain. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could last approximately a month. The inferno is the worst the region has witnessed in over 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed. Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, per press accounts. The city's leader John Lee stated that the task force would be chaired by a judge. Global Response Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey. Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction. The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.