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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was among a collective demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.