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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident started. Local firefighters found that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, per press accounts.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 people died.