🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Directs Probe into Deadly Inferno that Took 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals. Footage shows speed of blaze propagation in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee. The Probe and Its Consequences The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month. The fire is the most fatal the region has experienced in more than 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Demands for Probe and Detentions Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, as reported by news outlets. The city's leader John Lee said that the committee would be chaired by a judicial officer. Global Response The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions. "Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count. Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.