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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An online petition collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are believed to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 people in 1948 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 in excess of 600 individuals perished.