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The city's leader, 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 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.