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

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has put on hold works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective demanding an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people died.