🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Orders Probe into Fatal Inferno that Took 151 Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people. Video reveals velocity of fire spread in the city's high-rise. A Fire of Historic Proportions On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said. Investigation and Aftermath The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control. On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks. The inferno is the deadliest the region has witnessed in exceeding 70 years. Shortcomings Uncovered Several residents have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning. The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets. Hong Kong's top official John Lee announced that the committee would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. Global Response Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions. "This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey. Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction. The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.