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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

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

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition gathered over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.