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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire broke out. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people lost their lives.