🔗 Share this article

Officials in the city have detained 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, 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 arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.