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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

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

The city's construction authority has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.