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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, according to local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.