🔗 Share this article

Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location 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, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

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

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

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

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance 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 many individuals employing vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.