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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a catastrophic blaze that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, seven of eight residential blocks at the estate—which had been undergoing significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 people have been arrested for potential negligent homicide, including the executives of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are plucked," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the inquiry could require approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have said they failed to hear a smoke detector when the fire erupted. Local firefighters determined that detection devices in each building were operating inadequately.

Hong Kong's buildings department has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to incitement on the weekend. He was among a group calling for an separate review into the tragedy. An digital signature drive gathered over 10,000 supporters in a very short time before its page was taken down.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by authorities, per press accounts.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"The moment has come for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the devastating fire...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Background and Resident Profile

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had supplied 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, according to a 2021 government census.

Almost four in ten of its residents are believed to be at least 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 individuals in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The deadliest was at a sporting venue in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people perished.