HONG Kong authorities arrested 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter on Monday as investigators determined that substandard building materials fueled a catastrophic fire that has killed at least 151 people and left more than 40 missing.
The arrests mark a significant development in the probe into Wednesday’s blaze at the Wang Fuk Court estate, which engulfed seven residential towers and has become the city’s deadliest fire since 1948. Police continue searching the burnt-out buildings, discovering victims’ remains in stairwells and on rooftops where residents became trapped while attempting to escape.
Investigation Findings
Government tests revealed that green mesh material wrapped around bamboo scaffolding on the buildings failed to meet fire-retardant standards. Chief Secretary Eric Chan told reporters that contractors deliberately placed these substandard materials in hard-to-reach locations, effectively concealing them from inspectors.
Foam insulation used during the renovation work also accelerated the fire’s spread, while fire alarms at the complex malfunctioned, officials said. Police officer Tsang Shuk-yin noted emotionally that some victims’ bodies had been reduced to ash, making complete recovery unlikely.
Humanitarian Response
More than 4,000 residents were displaced from the apartment complex, forcing authorities to coordinate emergency housing. Officials have relocated over 1,100 people into temporary accommodation, with another 680 placed in youth hostels and hotels. Each household received emergency funds of HK$10,000 ($1,284), and the government expedited replacement of identity documents, passports and marriage certificates for those who fled without belongings.
Thousands have gathered to mourn the victims, including at least nine Indonesian domestic workers and one from the Philippines. Memorial lines stretched more than a kilometre along a canal near the estate, with additional vigils planned in Tokyo, London and Taipei.
Political Tensions
The disaster has exposed growing friction between authorities and critics questioning fire safety oversight. Beijing’s national security office warned against using the tragedy to promote what it termed “anti-China” protests, referencing the 2019 pro-democracy demonstrations.
Security Chief Chris Tang accused unnamed individuals of exploiting the crisis to “harm Hong Kong and national security,” announcing that authorities would take “appropriate action, including enforcement measures.”
Miles Kwan, 24, who helped launch a petition demanding an independent investigation into possible corruption and construction oversight reforms, was detained Saturday and released Monday afternoon. Two others have been arrested on suspicion of seditious intent, according to local media reports, though police declined to confirm details.
Prior Warnings Ignored
The tragedy has intensified scrutiny of government responsiveness to safety concerns. Residents had complained to the Labour Department in September 2024 about fire hazards from the renovations, specifically questioning the flammability of the scaffolding mesh. Authorities had assured residents they faced “relatively low fire risks.”
The search operation may continue for weeks as investigators work through the most severely damaged structures. Images show officers in hazmat suits examining rooms with blackened walls and navigating water used to extinguish fires that burned for days.
Legislative elections are scheduled for this weekend as the city struggles to process its worst fire disaster in 77 years.
