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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, as reported by local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.