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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.