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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 devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people died.