🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Probe into Deadly Fire that Took 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people. Images shows speed of fire spread in Hong Kong tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor. "This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could require several weeks. The inferno is the most fatal the metropolis has witnessed in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning. The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped. A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, as reported by news outlets. The city's leader John Lee stated that the inquiry would be headed by a judicial officer. Global Response The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests. "Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count. Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.