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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

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

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

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

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

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

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.