Deadliest Blaze in Decades Sparks Anger and Demands for Accountability
Authorities in Hong Kong have arrested 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter after last week’s catastrophic fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po. The disaster, now the city’s deadliest in 75 years, has claimed 151 lives, with around 40 residents still missing. Emergency crews continued combing through the seven burned towers on Monday, as public frustration intensified over allegations of lax safety enforcement and delayed government oversight.
The estate, home to nearly 5,000 residents, had been undergoing large scale renovation works that residents say were plagued by safety concerns for more than a year. Revelations of past complaints and warnings have fueled outrage as the scale of the destruction becomes clearer.
Investigators Target Construction Firm and Safety Failures
Hong Kong’s anti corruption agency confirmed the arrest of construction company directors and an engineering consultant, saying investigators had launched a comprehensive probe “along the lines of manslaughter.” Officials said that at least seven out of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding mesh netting used on the towers failed required fire retardant standards.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan said cheaper, non compliant materials were deliberately installed in less accessible areas to avoid detection, calling it a “shameful act” carried out “at the expense of people’s lives.” Authorities say multiple warnings to contractors appear to have gone unenforced.
Residents Question Government Response as Civilians Face Arrests
While arrests of construction executives have proceeded swiftly, residents expressed outrage that no government officials have been held accountable. Instead, at least two civilians were detained under national security laws after calling for transparency and support for affected families.
Among those arrested was Miles Kwan, a student who launched an online petition demanding guaranteed assistance for victims and accountability for any negligent officials. Local media reported he was detained for “seditious intention.” Another man, former district councillor Kenneth Cheung, was also taken into custody.
On social media, many Hong Kong residents criticized the use of national security laws in the midst of a public tragedy, drawing comparisons to mainland legal practices and warning that silencing grief and inquiry would deepen public mistrust.
Security Tightens as Volunteers Step In and Tensions Rise
In the days after the fire, hundreds of volunteers arrived in Tai Po with supplies and support for displaced families. Their presence resembled pre pandemic community mobilization not seen in years. By evening, however, police patrols grew more visible, and officials gradually took control of the relief operations.
Authorities have warned that any attempt to use the tragedy to “incite anti China sentiment” will be met with law enforcement action. For many in the community, the arrests underscore a growing sense that calls for accountability may themselves become targets.