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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident started. The city's fire department found that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an autonomous investigation 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 ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals died.