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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a building firm.

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

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.