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The city'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 Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people died.