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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.