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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 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

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

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident broke out. The city's fire department found that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a group calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals died.