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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the executives of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, according to press accounts.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.