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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also taken in by police, according to local media reports.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.