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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors 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 act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. The city's fire department found that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.