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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to local media reports.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.