🔗 Share this article

Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. About forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified 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 negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

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

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed 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 truly believe is right,” he said.