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The city's chief executive, John Lee, has mandated the establishment of an separate inquiry panel to investigate the cause of a tragic inferno that killed at least 151 individuals.

A Fire of Historic Proportions

This past Wednesday, seven of eight apartment buildings at the housing complex—that was in the midst of extensive renovations—were consumed by a blaze. Investigators have since found that safety scaffolding mesh installed on the buildings did not comply with flame retardant standards.

At least 13 people have been detained on suspicion of suspected manslaughter, including the directors of a construction company.

"It is a terrible tragedy, it is a major blaze. Changes are required. Failures have been detected in multiple areas. This is precisely the reason we must take decisive action to ensure that all these loopholes are eliminated," stated the leader.

Investigation and Aftermath

The inferno—which spread quickly both vertically and between the blocks—was finally put out by the end of the week, some 40 hours after it ignited, and took in excess of 2,000 firefighters to bring under control.

The same day, officers commenced entry into the buildings to gather evidence. Authorities say the probe could take several weeks.

Systemic Failures Identified

Multiple inhabitants have reported they were not alerted by a fire alarm when the fire erupted. Local firefighters discovered that detection devices in every tower were malfunctioning.

The relevant regulatory body has halted for now renovation projects on three dozen private developments.

Calls for Inquiry and Arrests

In a related development, police reportedly detained a young man on suspicion of incitement on the weekend. He was part of a group petitioning for an separate review into the fire. An digital signature drive amassed more than 10,000 supporters in under 24 hours before its information was removed.

Another two individuals, comprising a ex-local representative, were also questioned by officers, according to news outlets.

Global Response

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both condemned the alleged detentions.

"Now is the time for the Hong Kong authorities to thoroughly and publicly probe the reasons of the tragic incident...instead of muzzling those who ask legitimate questions," Amnesty International said.

Historical Context and Demographics

The residential complex was built in 1983 and had supplied close to 2,000 units for approximately 4,600 residents, according to a population count.

Approximately 40 percent of its residents are believed to be over 65 years old. A number have lived in the government-supported development since its construction.

The city's second-deadliest fire on record claimed 176 lives in the mid-20th century and was triggered by a detonation at street level at a commercial building. The worst was at a sporting venue in 1918, when over 600 individuals died.