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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.