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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

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

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.