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Hong Kong's chief executive, 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 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also detained by officers, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.