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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 devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Local firefighters found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was among a gathering calling for an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 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 news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.