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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. The city's fire department determined that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a collective demanding an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees perished.