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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

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

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.