🔗 Share this article

Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

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 city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official 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 materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

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

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.