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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.