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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, per local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees perished.