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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and took over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

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

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals died.