🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Fire that Took 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents. Footage reveals rapid pace of blaze propagation in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations. No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue. That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could take approximately a month. The inferno is the deadliest the region has seen in over 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Several residents have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately. Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down. Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets. Hong Kong's top official John Lee stated that the task force would be headed by a member of the judiciary. International Reaction The rights group and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions. "Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction. The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.