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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the directors of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must act seriously to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the probe could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department discovered that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An online petition collected more than 10,000 signatures in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people died.