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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

No fewer than 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these deficiencies are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was not completely extinguished by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have reported they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident broke out. Local firefighters found that detection devices in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to sedition on the weekend. He was among a gathering calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to openly examine the origins of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 people died.