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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting installed on the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it began, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a smoke detector when the blaze started. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was among a group demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by police, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 inhabitants, based on a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people died.