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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, per press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be older than 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 individuals perished.