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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition collected over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.