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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident started. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures 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 police, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people died.