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The city's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the probe could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Local firefighters determined that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

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

"The moment has come for the local government to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people perished.