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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident started. Local firefighters found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees perished.