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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.