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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was among a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people died.