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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and took more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.