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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the senior figures of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Hong Kong's fire service found that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both condemned the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had provided close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years of age. Several have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 lives in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals died.