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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.