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

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of subversion on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals perished.