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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, 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 different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

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

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective calling for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition collected over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a population count.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.