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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment 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

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

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

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.