🔗 Share this article Hong Kong Chief Executive Directs Probe into Deadly Fire that Killed 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents. Footage reveals speed of fire spread in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards. At least 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm. "This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," he said. The Probe and Its Consequences The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control. On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could last three to four weeks. This blaze is the worst the metropolis has experienced in over 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in each building were not working effectively. Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed. Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports. Chief executive John Lee stated that the task force would be led by a judicial officer. International Reaction The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions. "This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group. Historical Context and Demographics The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census. Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the public housing complex from its inception. Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.