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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the investigation could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Hong Kong's fire service discovered that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

The relevant regulatory body has put on hold construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on charges related to subversion on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Two other people, comprising a former district councillor, were also questioned by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the local government to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 inhabitants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are thought to be at least 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since its construction.

The city's second-worst blaze on record took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.