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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

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

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

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

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a collective calling for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.