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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a catastrophic blaze that took a minimum of 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

On Wednesday last week, seven of eight tower blocks at the estate—that was in the midst of significant upgrades—were engulfed by fire. A probe subsequently revealed that construction site netting used around the buildings fell short of fire safety regulations.

At least 13 suspects have been arrested for suspected manslaughter, among them the executives of a construction company.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—that propagated rapidly both upwards and from building to building—was not completely extinguished by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it started, and necessitated in excess of 2,000 fire service personnel to contain.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. The government indicates the probe could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Multiple inhabitants have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the blaze erupted. Local firefighters determined that warning systems in each building were malfunctioning.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, officers took into custody a young man on suspicion of sedition on the weekend. He was part of a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An online petition amassed in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, among them a former district councillor, were also taken in by officers, according to local media reports.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and The monitoring body have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in the early 1980s and had provided 1,984 apartments for around 4,600 occupants, according to a recent official survey.

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

The city's second-most fatal incident on in history took 176 individuals in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when over 600 individuals lost their lives.