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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was among a group demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An online petition gathered more than 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also questioned by police, according to press accounts.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 people perished.