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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group calling for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees lost their lives.