The city's Chief Executive Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151

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

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.