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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight residential blocks at the housing complex—which was subject to major refurbishment—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been taken into custody over suspected manslaughter, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. Hence we must respond rigorously to make certain all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, around 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to collect forensic material. Officials state the inquiry could take several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident erupted. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, authorities are said to have arrested a individual on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was part of a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An online petition amassed more than 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also questioned by officers, according to news outlets.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of suppressing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was constructed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be older than 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development from its inception.

The city's second-deadliest fire on file killed 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was caused by a ground-floor explosion at a commercial building. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in 1918, when in excess of 600 people perished.