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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an autonomous task force to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.