🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Directs Probe into Tragic Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals. Video reveals speed of flames advancing in the city's high-rise. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a contractor. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath 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 necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain. That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks. The inferno is the most fatal the city has seen in exceeding 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately. Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed. Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports. Chief executive John Lee announced that the task force would be led by a judicial officer. International Reaction The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built. The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people lost their lives.