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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.