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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

At least 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. Hence we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

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

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that warning systems in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...rather than silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, based on a 2021 government census.

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

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.