Authorities Detain 13 as Public Anger Over Accountability Grows
Hong Kong authorities have arrested 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter following the catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, which has become the city’s deadliest blaze in 75 years. Emergency crews continued searching through the seven residential towers on Monday as the confirmed death toll rose to 151, with about 40 residents still unaccounted for.
The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, was undergoing major renovation work that investigators now believe played a central role in the disaster. Residents had reportedly raised concerns for more than a year about safety hazards linked to the construction. Officials confirmed that among those arrested were directors and an engineering consultant connected to the project, with anti corruption authorities opening a broad inquiry focused on potential negligence and suspected irregularities.
Hong Kong’s chief secretary, Eric Chan, said that seven of 20 tested samples of mesh netting used on the scaffolding failed to meet fire retardant standards. He said cheaper, non compliant materials had been placed in areas difficult for inspectors to access, calling it a “shameful act” that prioritised profit over public safety.
Criticism Mounts After Civilians Arrested Under Security Laws
Public frustration has intensified as citizens question why no government officials have been held responsible, while at least two civilians have been detained under national security legislation. Among them is student Miles Kwan, who was arrested on Saturday after launching an online petition urging support for victims and accountability for any parties found at fault, including potential misconduct by officials.
Local media said Kwan was accused of “seditious intention,” although police declined to confirm details. He was later seen leaving a police station. A second arrest reportedly involved former district councillor Kenneth Cheung. The moves prompted widespread debate on local platforms, where some users criticised authorities for targeting individuals calling for transparency rather than focusing solely on safety lapses.
Security secretary Chris Tang told reporters that authorities had identified “inaccurate comments online” they viewed as a threat to national security, adding that operational details could not be disclosed. The remarks drew comparisons from some residents to practices on the mainland, with commenters suggesting that the handling of public discourse could discourage questions about governance.
Community Response and Government Oversight Under Scrutiny
In the days after the fire, volunteers swiftly organised relief efforts, delivering food, clothing and supplies to affected families. The mobilisation was one of the largest civilian responses seen since demonstrations in 2019. By evening, however, armed police began patrolling the area and government departments assumed control of volunteer operations.
The petition launched by Kwan echoed the wording of past protest driven demands, although it focused solely on victim support and accountability rather than political change. He told media that he believed he was raising fundamental humanitarian concerns. “If these ideas are deemed seditious or crossing the line, then I can only do what I truly believe,” he said.
As investigations progress, residents continue to seek clarity on how safety warnings, past concerns and regulatory oversight intersected in the months leading up to the tragedy. With searches ongoing and dozens still missing, the disaster has sparked a wider conversation about construction standards, enforcement practices and the role of national security laws in public expression.
