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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.