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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the tower blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, comprising the executives of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and took over 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file took 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.