The city's Chief Executive Orders Investigation into Tragic Blaze that Killed 151

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

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

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

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.