The city's Chief Executive Directs Investigation into Fatal Inferno that Killed 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. The city's fire department found that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people died.