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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.