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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a building firm.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the inquiry could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective calling for an separate review into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

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

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. A number have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 people died.