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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident erupted. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a gathering demanding an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also taken in by police, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 occupants, according to a population count.

Nearly 40% of its residents are thought to be over 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.