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Hong Kong'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 Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 individuals died.