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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also detained by officers, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

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

The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.