🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Blaze that Took 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents. Video depicts rapid pace of flames advancing in Hong Kong tower block. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance. A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain. On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could require three to four weeks. The inferno is the worst the region has seen in over 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning. The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, per press accounts. Chief executive John Lee said that the inquiry would be led by a judicial officer. Global Response The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey. Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.