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Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to examine the reasons of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of 151 people.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, most of the apartment buildings at the estate—which was subject to extensive renovations—went up in flames. Investigators have since found that construction site netting installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the directors of a contractor.

"Yes, it is a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. Failures have been detected in various phases. That is exactly why we must take decisive action to guarantee all these loopholes are addressed," he said.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—that propagated rapidly both vertically and across the separate towers—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and required in excess of 2,000 emergency responders to contain.

That very day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to collect forensic material. The government indicates the inquiry could last several weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

A number of occupants have stated they failed to hear a fire alarm when the fire erupted. The city's fire department found that warning systems in each building were not working effectively.

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

Demands for Probe and Detentions

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on charges related to subversion on the weekend. He was involved with a gathering petitioning for an independent inquiry into the tragedy. An online petition amassed over 10,000 supporters in less than a day before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, comprising a ex-local representative, were also detained by authorities, per news outlets.

Global Response

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

"The moment has come for the Hong Kong authorities to openly examine the origins of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who raise appropriate concerns," stated the organization.

Historical Context and Demographics

The housing estate was completed in the early 1980s and had offered 1,984 apartments for approximately 4,600 occupants, per a recent official survey.

Nearly 40% of its residents are estimated to be at least 65 years old. Some have lived in the government-supported development from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-deadliest fire on file claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was the result of a ground-floor explosion at a five-storey warehouse. The most deadly was at a local racetrack in 1918, when in excess of 600 individuals died.