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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," stated the leader.

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 ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a collective demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

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

The city's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals died.