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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.