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Hong Kong's leader, 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

This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, per press accounts.

International Reaction

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

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.