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The city's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a devastating fire that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Investigators have since found that construction site 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, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—advancing with speed both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the end of the week, around 40 hours after it ignited, and required over 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

The same day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could require three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the incident started. Local firefighters found that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was part of a group calling for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by police, per local media reports.

Global Response

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the causes of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are estimated to be over 65 years old. A number have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on in history killed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.