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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire started. Local firefighters found that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was among a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Some have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century 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 individuals lost their lives.