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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the estate—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Yes, we have identified failures in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to guarantee all these deficiencies are plucked," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it began, and took more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

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

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Local firefighters found that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended construction activities on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a group petitioning for an separate review into the tragedy. An online petition collected in excess of 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, including a past council member, were also questioned by officers, per local media reports.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the local government to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, based on a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have been occupants of the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history claimed 176 individuals in 1948 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 people perished.