The city's Leader Orders Probe into Tragic Fire that Claimed Lives of 151

The city's leader, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with fire safety regulations.

No fewer than 13 people have been arrested for alleged culpable homicide, comprising the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must act seriously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and necessitated more than 2,000 fire service personnel to bring under control.

On that day, authorities started accessing the buildings to gather evidence. The government indicates the probe could take three to four weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire started. The city's fire department found that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

The city's construction authority has temporarily suspended renovation projects on 30 private projects.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a 24-year-old man on allegations of sedition on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a past council member, were also detained by officers, according to press accounts.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both criticised the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the tragic incident...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are estimated to be at least 65 years of age. Some have lived in the public housing complex since its construction.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on in history took 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a local racetrack in 1918, when more than 600 individuals perished.