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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Local firefighters found that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.