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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

A minimum of 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the probe could require three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has put on hold works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, police reportedly detained a individual on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An online petition amassed over 10,000 endorsements in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The rights group and Another watchdog have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be at least 65 years of age. A number have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals perished.