🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people. Images reveals speed of flames advancing 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 significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations. At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to contain. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could require several weeks. This blaze is the most fatal the region has witnessed in over 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed. Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by police, as reported by press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee said that the committee would be chaired by a judge. Global Response Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions. "This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization. Historical Context and Demographics The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.