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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 devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. 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.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.