Hong Kong authorities announced on Monday that they have arrested 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the city’s worst fire in decades. Investigators say substandard renovation materials fueled the blaze, which has so far claimed at least 151 lives.
Police continue to search the seven towers devastated in Wednesday’s fire at the Wang Fuk Court estate, discovering bodies in stairwells and even on rooftops where residents were trapped while trying to escape.
More than 40 people remain missing, and police warn that some victims may never be recovered.
“Some bodies have turned to ash, so we may not be able to find all missing individuals,” said police official Tsang Shuk-yin, visibly emotional.
Faulty Materials and Safety Failures
Initial tests on samples of the green mesh that wrapped the bamboo scaffolding during renovations revealed that the material did not meet fire-retardant standards.
Chief Secretary Eric Chan said contractors deliberately used these unsafe materials in areas difficult for inspectors to access.
Officials also confirmed that flammable foam insulation intensified the fire, while the complex’s fire alarms were malfunctioning, leaving residents without proper warning.
Public Mourning and International Vigils
Thousands of people have lined up to pay respects to the victims, including at least nine Indonesian domestic workers and one Filipino worker. Vigils are planned this week in Tokyo, London, and Taipei.
Despite public grief, frustration over ignored fire-risk warnings has sparked concern in Beijing. China has cautioned that it will not tolerate any “anti-China” protests linked to the disaster.
At least one individual involved in a petition demanding an independent investigation and stronger construction oversight was detained for two days, sources said.
Hong Kong Security Chief Chris Tang, addressing reporters, warned:
“Some people with malicious intent are using this painful moment to harm Hong Kong and national security. We must take appropriate action, including enforcement measures.”
Search Shifts to the Most Damaged Blocks
Authorities say the search of the worst-affected buildings could take weeks.
Police photos show officers in hazmat suits and helmets navigating rooms with charred walls, collapsed furniture, and water-filled floors from days of firefighting.
More than 4,000 people lived in the affected blocks. Over 1,100 residents have been moved from evacuation centers into temporary housing, while 680 others are staying in youth hostels and hotels.
Households fleeing the fire have been offered HK$10,000 (US$1,284) in emergency aid, along with expedited services for new identity cards, passports, and marriage documents.
A Disaster Not Seen Since 1948
Last year, authorities told Wang Fuk Court residents that the estate posed “relatively low fire risks.”
In September 2024, residents raised concerns about the flammability of the renovation mesh—but the warnings went unheeded.
This tragedy is Hong Kong’s deadliest fire since 1948, when 176 people were killed in a warehouse blaze. The incident has shocked the city, coming just days before legislative elections.
On Saturday, police detained Miles Kwan, a 24-year-old who helped launch a petition demanding an independent inquiry. Two others have also reportedly been arrested for alleged “seditious intent.”
China’s national security office issued a stern warning:
“Anti-China disruptors attempting to create chaos from this disaster will be held accountable and strictly punished.”