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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—which was subject to significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the senior figures of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—advancing with speed both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to collect forensic material. Authorities say the inquiry could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have stated they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Local firefighters discovered that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An digital signature drive collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its information was removed.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by officers, as reported by news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are believed to be over 65 years of age. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in 1918, when over 600 people lost their lives.