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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition collected over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people died.