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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could take several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.