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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight 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 used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service found that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to local media reports.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

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

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history claimed 176 lives in 1948 and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 people died.