🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Blaze that Killed 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals. Video shows velocity of flames advancing in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance. A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures 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. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could take approximately a month. This blaze is the worst the city has witnessed in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Several residents have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately. Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee stated that the inquiry would be headed by a judge. Global Response The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions. "Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, per a population count. Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since its construction. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.