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

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

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

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.