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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, per local media reports.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.