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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.

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

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.