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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has directed the formation of an independent committee to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings fell short of requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 people have been detained on suspicion of potential negligent homicide, among them the directors of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. We have uncovered shortcomings in different stages. That is exactly why we must act seriously to make certain all these loopholes are plucked," remarked Mr. Lee.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The inferno—advancing with speed both upwards and between the blocks—was finally put out by Friday morning, some 40 hours after it started, and took in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Authorities say the investigation could require approximately a month.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have said they were not alerted by a emergency siren when the fire erupted. Hong Kong's fire service determined that alarms in each building were not working effectively.

Hong Kong's buildings department has temporarily suspended works on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

Separately, officers took into custody a 24-year-old man on allegations of incitement on Saturday. He was part of a gathering calling for an separate review into the blaze. An internet-based appeal amassed more than 10,000 endorsements in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

Two other people, comprising a ex-local representative, were also taken in by officers, as reported by press accounts.

Global Response

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

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to openly examine the reasons of the tragic incident...as opposed to muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was completed in 1983 and had offered 1,984 apartments for some 4,600 occupants, per a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be older than 65 years old. Several have lived in the subsidised housing estate since it was built.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on record killed 176 individuals in 1948 and was caused by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 individuals perished.