🔗 Share this article The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Fire that Killed 151 The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents. Images reveals rapid pace of fire spread in the city's residential tower. A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations. At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a building firm. "It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader. The Probe and Its Consequences The blaze—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 necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain. The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last several weeks. The fire is the worst the city has witnessed in exceeding 70 years. Systemic Failures Identified A number of occupants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in each building were not working effectively. The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments. Calls for Inquiry and Arrests In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An online petition amassed over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped. A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per local media reports. Chief executive John Lee stated that the task force would be led by a judge. Global Response Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests. "This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization. Historical Context and Demographics The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census. Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built. The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.