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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by 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 attendees lost their lives.