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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people died.