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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, according to press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees perished.