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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the directors of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could last three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire broke out. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were malfunctioning.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a group demanding an separate review into the fire. 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, among them a past council member, were also detained by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

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

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have resided in the public housing complex from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.