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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the executives of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.