🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people. Video reveals speed of fire spread in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control. That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could take several weeks. The fire is the most fatal the region has witnessed in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed. Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets. Chief executive John Lee announced that the committee would be headed by a member of the judiciary. Global Response Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions. "This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization. Background and Resident Profile The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction. The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.