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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a past council member, were also taken in by police, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people died.