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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and took over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are estimated to be older than 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 attendees died.