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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters found that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

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

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.