🔗 Share this article

Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that 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 issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.