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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 tragic inferno that took a minimum 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—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

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

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

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

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.