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

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department determined that warning systems in every tower were not working effectively.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was involved with a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An digital signature drive collected more than 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

The human rights organization and The monitoring body have both criticised the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had provided nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its inhabitants are estimated to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-deadliest fire on in history claimed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.