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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that took a minimum of 151 residents.

A Blaze of Unprecedented Scale

This past Wednesday, most of the tower blocks at the Wang Fuk Court—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—went up in flames. A probe subsequently revealed that protective netting used around the buildings failed to meet requirements for fire resistance.

No fewer than 13 individuals have been taken into custody over alleged culpable homicide, including the senior figures of a building firm.

"This is indeed a tragedy, it is a big fire. Reform is necessary. We have uncovered shortcomings in various phases. This is precisely the reason we must respond rigorously to ensure that all these gaps are eliminated," stated the leader.

The Probe and Its Consequences

The fire—advancing with speed both vertically and from building to building—was finally put out by Friday morning, approximately two days after it ignited, and necessitated more than 2,000 emergency responders to bring under control.

On that day, police began entering the buildings to gather evidence. Officials state the probe could last three to four weeks.

Shortcomings Uncovered

Several residents have stated they failed to hear a emergency siren when the incident started. Hong Kong's fire service determined that detection devices in all eight blocks were not working effectively.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now construction activities on numerous private sites.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, authorities are said to have arrested a young man on charges related to sedition on Saturday. He was among a gathering demanding an separate review into the fire. An internet-based appeal collected in excess of 10,000 signatures in a very short time before its contents were wiped.

A pair of additional persons, among them a past council member, were also questioned by officers, as reported by local media reports.

International Reaction

The rights group and Human Rights Watch have both denounced the said apprehensions.

"Now is the time for the city's officials to thoroughly and publicly probe the causes of the catastrophic blaze...as opposed to suppressing those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

Wang Fuk Court was constructed in 1983 and had offered nearly two thousand flats for around 4,600 inhabitants, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are thought to be older than 65 years old. Some have been occupants of the public housing complex from its inception.

Hong Kong's second-worst blaze on file took 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The most deadly was at a sporting venue in 1918, when more than 600 attendees died.