🔗 Share this article

Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.