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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition gathered over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also detained by police, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.