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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident erupted. Local firefighters found that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the tragic incident...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 attendees perished.