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Hong Kong'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 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and required more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident started. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by authorities, according to press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.