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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. The city's fire department found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, according to news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 people died.