The city's Leader Orders Investigation into Tragic Fire that Killed 151

The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, the majority of the residential blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that protective netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet fire safety regulations.

At least 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in different stages. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to make certain all these deficiencies are addressed," he said.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—that propagated rapidly both vertically and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to subdue.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the investigation could take approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire broke out. Local firefighters discovered that warning systems in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has temporarily suspended construction activities on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, officers took into custody a individual on charges related to incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an separate review into the blaze. An online petition gathered over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, per news outlets.

Global Response

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the said apprehensions.

"This is the occasion for the local government to openly examine the origins of the catastrophic blaze...instead of silencing those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was completed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for approximately 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its inhabitants are believed to be over 65 years of age. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in the mid-20th century and was caused by a blast on the lower level at a commercial building. The deadliest was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 people lost their lives.