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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by authorities, per news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 people perished.