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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

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

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.