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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, per press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.