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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 people 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. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now 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 part of a collective demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by police, according to press accounts.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.