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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an autonomous task force to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.