🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Killed 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals. Footage shows rapid pace of flames advancing in Hong Kong high-rise. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards. At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue. That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could last three to four weeks. The fire is the most fatal the region has witnessed in more than 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down. Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per press accounts. Hong Kong's top official John Lee announced that the inquiry would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. Global Response The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions. "The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census. Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 people perished.