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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 devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, 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 collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they did not hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.