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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

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

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.