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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, according to press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.