🔗 Share this article The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Fatal Fire that Killed 151 Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents. Images depicts rapid pace of fire spread in Hong Kong tower block. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations. No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to contain. On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks. This blaze is the worst the city has witnessed in exceeding 70 decades. Shortcomings Uncovered A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in each building were operating inadequately. The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed. A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, as reported by local media reports. The city's leader John Lee said that the committee would be headed by a member of the judiciary. Global Response The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions. "The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said. Background and Resident Profile The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey. Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception. The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.