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The city's chief executive, 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 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire started. Local firefighters found that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, as reported by local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.