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Hong Kong'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 Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.