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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

Last Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

A minimum of 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a construction company.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. Hence we must act seriously to make certain all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was only fully doused by the end of the week, approximately two days after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the probe could require several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a smoke detector when the fire erupted. The city's fire department discovered that warning systems in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a young man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also taken in by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both criticised the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the origins of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered close to 2,000 units for some 4,600 occupants, per a 2021 government census.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. Several have lived in the government-supported development since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals perished.