🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Fatal Fire that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people. Footage reveals velocity of fire spread in Hong Kong residential tower. A Fire of Historic Proportions Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations. At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm. "Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue. On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could take approximately a month. This blaze is the deadliest the city has experienced in over 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed. Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by police, according to press accounts. Chief executive John Lee said that the task force would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. International Reaction The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census. Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people died.