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Hong Kong's leader, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which had been undergoing major refurbishment—were consumed by a blaze. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh used around the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

A minimum of 13 individuals have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, including the senior figures of a contractor.

"This is indeed a tragedy, the fire was immense. Yes, we need reform. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—which spread quickly both upwards and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, around 40 hours after it began, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

The same day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the inquiry could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the blaze broke out. Local firefighters found that alarms in all eight blocks were operating inadequately.

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

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Additionally, police reportedly detained a 24-year-old man on suspicion of sedition on Saturday. He was involved with a group demanding an independent inquiry into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its page was taken down.

Two other people, among them a ex-local representative, were also questioned by police, according to news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the reported arrests.

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the causes of the devastating fire...rather than muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Almost four in ten of its occupants are believed to be older than 65 years old. Some have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

The city's second-most fatal incident on file killed 176 people in 1948 and was triggered by a ground-floor explosion at a multi-story storage facility. The worst was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when in excess of 600 attendees lost their lives.