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The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the executives of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

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 necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire erupted. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.