🔗 Share this article

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

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search 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 death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

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