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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, the majority of the tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. The city's fire department discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has put on hold renovation projects on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a collective demanding an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 signatures in under 24 hours before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by police, per press accounts.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the devastating fire...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in the early 1980s and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be at least 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-worst blaze on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.