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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the executives of a building firm.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 fire service personnel to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the inquiry could take several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have reported they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in each building were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has halted for now works on 30 private projects.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on Saturday. He was among a group petitioning for an separate review into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, per press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...instead of suppressing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 attendees died.