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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 catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.