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The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have lived in the public housing complex since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.