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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also detained by officers, according to press accounts.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.