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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by officers, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.