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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire started. The city's fire department determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by police, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people lost their lives.