🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals. Images shows rapid pace of fire spread in Hong Kong high-rise. A Fire of Historic Proportions On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee. Investigation and Aftermath The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue. That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks. The inferno is the deadliest the city has seen in exceeding 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed. Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by news outlets. Hong Kong's top official John Lee announced that the task force would be headed by a judicial officer. Global Response Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions. "This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, per a population count. Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex since its construction. The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.