🔗 Share this article

Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.