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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also detained by officers, per news outlets.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.