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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 took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by officers, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.