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The city's leader, 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

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.