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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 tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a 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 make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

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

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

The city's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.