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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising 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 various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

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

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.