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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also taken in by police, per press accounts.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people perished.