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

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was among a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.