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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to probe the origins of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

Last Wednesday, most of the residential blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—which was subject to major refurbishment—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that safety scaffolding mesh surrounding the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 suspects have been taken into custody over potential negligent homicide, comprising the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, the fire was immense. Reform is necessary. Yes, we have identified failures in multiple areas. That is exactly why we must respond rigorously to guarantee all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by the morning of Friday, approximately two days after it ignited, and took more than 2,000 firefighters to subdue.

On that day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to secure proof. Officials state the investigation could require several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

A number of occupants have stated they did not hear a fire alarm when the incident broke out. Local firefighters determined that alarms in all eight blocks were malfunctioning.

The city's construction authority has put on hold works on three dozen private developments.

Demands for Probe and Detentions

Additionally, officers took into custody a individual on allegations of subversion on the weekend. He was among a gathering petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected over 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a former district councillor, were also taken in by authorities, according to press accounts.

International Reaction

Amnesty International and Another watchdog have both denounced the alleged detentions.

"This is the occasion for the city's officials to transparently investigate the causes of the catastrophic blaze...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," remarked the group.

Background and Resident Profile

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 residents, according to a recent official survey.

Approximately 40 percent of its occupants are thought to be over 65 years old. A number have been occupants of the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-most fatal incident on record claimed 176 individuals in 1948 and was the result of a detonation at street level at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at Happy Valley Racecourse in the early 1900s, when more than 600 people perished.