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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by police, per press accounts.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees perished.