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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people lost their lives.