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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings fell short of flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could last approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the incident broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was among a collective petitioning for an independent inquiry into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its page was taken down.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by officers, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years of age. Several have resided in the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 people in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.