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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire started. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in every tower were not working effectively.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals perished.