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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it started, and required over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 residents, according to a population count.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees died.