🔗 Share this article

Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, 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 anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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 “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended 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 revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

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

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

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