The city's Leader Orders Probe into Fatal Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was among a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

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

Global Response

The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.