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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 devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

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—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the investigation could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, according to local media reports.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.