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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, among them the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to guarantee all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the incident started. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was part of a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the blaze. An digital signature drive amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Two other people, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, according to news outlets.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Several have resided in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when over 600 people lost their lives.