🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Took 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people. Images reveals speed of fire spread in the city's tower block. A Fire of Historic Proportions Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance. No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company. "Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain. On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks. The fire is the worst the city has witnessed in exceeding 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately. The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down. A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per press accounts. The city's leader John Lee stated that the committee would be led by a judicial officer. International Reaction The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions. "This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count. Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file killed 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 the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.