🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Deadly Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals. Footage shows rapid pace of fire spread in the city's tower block. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a contractor. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control. On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could take several weeks. The fire is the most fatal the region has seen in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately. The city's construction authority has halted for now works on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped. Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, as reported by news outlets. Chief executive John Lee stated that the inquiry would be headed by a judge. International Reaction Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction. The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.