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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of subversion on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for 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.

Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 residents, based on a population count.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.