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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, most of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. Hence we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 firefighters to contain.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire started. Local firefighters found that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was among a gathering calling for an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, per press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than silencing those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

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

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

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.