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The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a collective petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people died.