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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident started. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

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

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.