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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was among a collective calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.