Hong Kong police arrested 13 people on Monday on suspicion of manslaughter as investigators probe the city’s deadliest blaze in decades, a disaster that has claimed at least 151 lives and left more than 40 people unaccounted for.
Authorities continued to comb through the seven charred towers of the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, where residents were trapped in stairwells and on rooftops as they attempted to escape Wednesday’s inferno. Police official Tsang Shuk yin, visibly emotional, said, “Some of the bodies have turned into ash, therefore we might not be able to locate all missing individuals.”
Early findings have placed a spotlight on construction practices at the site. Tests on samples of green mesh wrapped around bamboo scaffolding failed to meet fire retardant standards, officials said. Chief Secretary Eric Chan accused contractors of using substandard materials in hard to reach areas to evade inspectors. Foam insulation used during renovations further intensified the flames, and fire alarms did not function properly, according to authorities.
The tragedy has prompted widespread mourning. Thousands of people, including relatives of at least nine domestic helpers from Indonesia and one from the Philippines, lined a canal near the complex to pay respects. Vigils are planned this week in Tokyo, London and Taipei.
Public frustration has grown alongside grief. Residents had warned officials last year about potential fire hazards tied to renovation works, including the flammability of the mesh. Beijing has meanwhile cautioned against any “anti China” demonstrations, signaling concern that anger over the disaster could fuel broader dissent.
One person involved in a petition calling for an independent inquiry and a review of construction oversight was detained for around two days, according to individuals familiar with the matter. Police have not commented. At a press conference, Security Chief Chris Tang said, “I’ve noticed that some people with malicious intent, aiming to harm Hong Kong and national security, have taken advantage of this painful moment for society. Therefore, we must take appropriate action, including enforcement measures.”
Search efforts have now shifted to the worst affected buildings, where recovery operations may take weeks. Images released by police show officers in protective gear navigating rooms with scorched walls, collapsed debris and ankle deep water left by firefighting crews.
More than 4,000 people lived in the apartment blocks, census data shows. Over 1,100 residents moved from evacuation centers into temporary housing, with another 680 placed in youth hostels or hotels. Authorities are providing HK$10,000 to each household for emergency needs and are helping survivors replace identity cards, passports and marriage certificates.
The blaze marks Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when 176 people were killed in a warehouse inferno. The disaster comes days before legislative elections and has intensified scrutiny of construction oversight and government response.
On Saturday, police detained 24 year old Miles Kwan, a member of the petition group seeking an independent probe, though it remains unclear whether he was formally arrested. Two others have also been taken into custody on suspicion of seditious intent, according to the South China Morning Post. China’s national security office issued a warning over the weekend: “We sternly warn the anti China disruptors who attempt to ‘disrupt Hong Kong through disaster’. No matter what methods you use, you will certainly be held accountable and strictly punished.”
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