🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Orders Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people. Footage reveals velocity of flames advancing in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a contractor. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and took over 2,000 firefighters to subdue. On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month. This blaze is the deadliest the region has experienced in more than 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department found that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An online petition collected over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped. Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts. Chief executive John Lee stated that the inquiry would be chaired by a judge. Global Response Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization. Background and Resident Profile Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count. Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development since its construction. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.