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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition gathered over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.