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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

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

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a collective calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

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

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.