🔗 Share this article

Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology 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 considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.