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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 tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, among them a past council member, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people perished.