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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and The monitoring body have both denounced the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people lost their lives.