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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

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

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.