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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, per press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.