The city's Leader Directs Investigation into Tragic Inferno that Claimed Lives of 151

Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 individuals.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, seven of eight tower blocks at the housing complex—that was in the midst of major refurbishment—went up in flames. Authorities later discovered that protective netting installed on the buildings did not comply with requirements for fire resistance.

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

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a big fire. Yes, we need reform. Failures have been detected in different stages. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these loopholes are plucked," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The blaze—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was only fully doused by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and required over 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could last approximately a month.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have said they did not hear a emergency siren when the blaze started. The city's fire department determined that alarms in every tower were operating inadequately.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

Another two individuals, including a past council member, were also taken in by officers, according to press accounts.

Global Response

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

"Now is the time for the city's officials to transparently investigate the reasons of the devastating fire...instead of silencing those who pose valid inquiries," remarked the group.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was constructed in the early 1980s and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for some 4,600 inhabitants, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its inhabitants are estimated to be over 65 years old. Several have resided in the subsidised housing estate from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a blast on the lower level at a multi-story storage facility. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals lost their lives.