🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Blaze that Killed 151 Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals. Images depicts rapid pace of flames advancing in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue. On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could take three to four weeks. The fire is the deadliest the city has experienced in over 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed. Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee said that the committee would be headed by a judge. Global Response Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions. "The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census. Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 people died.