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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the probe could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation 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 past council member, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.