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The city's chief executive, 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 Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.