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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, per local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.