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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the executives of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the investigation could last several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was among a collective petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.