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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 tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.