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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided 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. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.