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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an separate review into the fire. An online petition collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

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

Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.