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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could take several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. Local firefighters found that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.