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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was among a group calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.