🔗 Share this article

Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.