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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the executives of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An online petition gathered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be over 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.