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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, the majority of the apartment buildings at the Wang Fuk Court—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, among them the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these gaps are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The fire—advancing with speed both upwards and from building to building—was finally put out by the end of the week, approximately two days after it began, and required over 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could take three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire broke out. The city's fire department found that alarms in each building were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a collective petitioning for an autonomous investigation into the blaze. An internet-based appeal gathered more than 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, per local media reports.

International Reaction

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

"The moment has come for the local government to thoroughly and publicly probe the origins of the devastating fire...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 residents, per a population count.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are believed to be older than 65 years of age. Several have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The deadliest was at a local racetrack in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals lost their lives.