🔗 Share this article

Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.