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

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 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 over 600 people perished.