🔗 Share this article

Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national 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 state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

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