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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by police, according to news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...rather than suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Some have resided in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals died.