🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Directs Probe into Fatal Blaze that Killed 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people. Images shows speed of flames advancing in the city's high-rise. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations. At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the executives of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain. The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks. The inferno is the most fatal the metropolis has seen in more than 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down. Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports. The city's leader John Lee announced that the task force would be led by a judge. International Reaction Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization. Historical Context and Demographics Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.