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The city'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 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, as reported by local media reports.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.