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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition collected over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.