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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, per press accounts.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.