Hong Kong authorities are conducting a major investigation after a terrible fire in a residential building killed 151 people. Dozens more are still missing. The fire happened last week at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po and is the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in over seventy years.
In response, police have arrested thirteen people connected to the building's renovation work. They are suspected of manslaughter. At the same time, national security police have separately detained at least two people for their online comments about the fire.
The fire spread through the seven buildings of the public housing complex, which is home to about five thousand people. Early investigations show that the safety netting covering the buildings' scaffolding did not meet basic standards. Tests found that more than one third of the material was not fire-resistant. Officials say this cheap netting was put in hard-to-see areas to avoid inspections. This allowed the fire to spread upwards very quickly. Chief Secretary Eric Chan said those responsible "just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives."
Residents had complained about the renovation work for about a year before the fire, but their concerns were ignored. The recent arrests include directors and a consultant from the main construction company.
In a separate issue, the arrest of people for their online reaction to the fire has caused public debate. One of those detained is a student, Miles Kwan, who was arrested under national security laws. Authorities say they act according to the law. However, this has led to criticism from some people who ask why citizens are arrested for demanding answers, while no government officials have been held responsible.
The disaster has caused deep public sadness and raised serious questions about construction safety rules in Hong Kong. As the investigation continues, the city is facing a period of mourning and reflection. The tragedy highlights problems with corporate responsibility and also starts a discussion about the limits of public speech after a disaster.