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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 catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the blaze started. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a young man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also detained by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.