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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to significant upgrades—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the inquiry could take approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service found that detection devices in every tower were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, per press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the catastrophic blaze...rather than suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for approximately 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 been occupants of the public housing complex since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.