🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Deadly Fire that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people. Footage shows speed of fire spread in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a contractor. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," he said. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and took over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control. The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could last three to four weeks. This blaze is the most fatal the metropolis has seen in more than 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively. Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites. Demands for Probe and Detentions Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed. Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets. Chief executive John Lee stated that the task force would be chaired by a judicial officer. Global Response Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions. "Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census. Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception. Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.