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The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 people.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these gaps are addressed," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it began, and required more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has halted for now construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, among them a past council member, were also detained by police, per news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the reported arrests.

"This is the occasion for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...rather than muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees perished.