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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Local firefighters found that warning systems in every tower were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a collective demanding an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees perished.