🔗 Share this article

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

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant 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 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

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 appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, 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 Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.