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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.

Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.