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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, according to local media reports.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.