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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has ordered the creation of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. Authorities later discovered that construction site netting surrounding the buildings failed to meet flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"It is a terrible tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are addressed," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have reported they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. The city's fire department 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.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Separately, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was involved with a collective calling for an autonomous investigation into the tragedy. An internet-based appeal gathered over 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, including a former district councillor, were also detained by police, as reported by press accounts.

International Reaction

The human rights organization and Another watchdog have both condemned the reported arrests.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for around 4,600 residents, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have resided in the government-supported development since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 lives in 1948 and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees lost their lives.