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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. Hence we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, approximately two days after it began, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident started. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on suspicion of subversion on the weekend. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition gathered in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when over 600 attendees perished.