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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a group petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.