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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, according to local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.