🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151 The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals. Images reveals velocity of flames advancing in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards. A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," he said. Investigation and Aftermath The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue. The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could last approximately a month. The inferno is the most fatal the metropolis has witnessed in exceeding 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately. Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down. Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts. The city's leader John Lee stated that the committee would be headed by a judge. Global Response The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests. "The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group. Background and Resident Profile Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey. Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.