🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Fire that Took 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals. Footage shows speed of flames advancing in Hong Kong residential tower. A Fire of Historic Proportions This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations. No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor. "This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to contain. The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks. The fire is the worst the city has witnessed in exceeding 70 decades. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects. Demands for Probe and Detentions Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down. Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by local media reports. Hong Kong's top official John Lee announced that the task force would be chaired by a member of the judiciary. Global Response Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both denounced the reported arrests. "Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said. Historical Context and Demographics The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey. Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the public housing complex since it was built. Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people died.