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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people died.