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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 catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, per local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.