🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people. Video reveals speed of fire spread in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance. At least 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a construction company. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to contain. That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month. The fire is the most fatal the metropolis has experienced in over 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped. Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, per press accounts. Chief executive John Lee stated that the task force would be led by a judge. International Reaction Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count. Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since it was built. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 people died.