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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

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

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a group petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.