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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 catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 attendees perished.