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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 devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also questioned by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.