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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.