The city's Chief Executive Directs Probe into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151

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

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group calling for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition collected more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people died.