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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.