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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.