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

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, according to news outlets.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused 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 died.