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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, according to press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years old. Several have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees died.