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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also questioned by officers, per local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.