🔗 Share this article

Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

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