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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an independent inquiry into the fire. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also taken in by police, per news outlets.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.