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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.