Hong Kong Mourns as Deadly Fire Exposes Safety Failures
A devastating fire that engulfed several residential towers at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district has left the city in mourning, with 128 confirmed deaths and approximately 150 people still missing. The tragedy has sparked growing public anger and prompted warnings from Beijing against what it called "anti-China disruptors" attempting to exploit the disaster.
Arrests and Growing Public Outcry
Hong Kong police detained 24-year-old university student Miles Kwan on Saturday after he participated in a group launching a petition demanding government accountability. The petition, which had gathered over 10,000 signatures before being closed, called for an independent investigation into potential corruption, proper resettlement for displaced residents, and a review of construction oversight procedures.
Authorities arrested Kwan on suspicion of attempting to incite sedition in relation to the blaze, according to the South China Morning Post. The arrest comes as China's national security authorities issued a stern warning against individuals using the disaster to disrupt the city.
"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 under the Hong Kong national security law," the statement read.
Investigation Reveals Previous Safety Concerns
The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, rapidly spread through seven of the eight 32-storey blocks at Wang Fuk Court that were undergoing renovations. The buildings were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh, layered with foam insulation at the time of the blaze.
Authorities have confirmed that the fire alarm system at the estate, home to more than 4,600 residents, had not been functioning properly. In a concerning revelation, the Labour Department acknowledged that residents had raised safety concerns about the renovation work as recently as September 2024, including worries about the potential flammability of the protective green mesh covering the scaffolding.
Despite these concerns, residents were reportedly told by authorities last year that they faced "relatively low fire risks."
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
Rescue operations officially concluded on Friday, although police have warned that more bodies may be discovered as they continue searching the hazardous, burnt-out structures. During their search, hundreds of officers rescued three cats and a turtle but found no additional human remains.
Authorities have launched both criminal and corruption investigations into the disaster, with 11 people arrested so far in connection with Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948, when a warehouse blaze claimed 176 lives. The current investigation is examining possible corruption and the use of unsafe materials during the renovation work.
As the community grieves, donations have poured in from companies and organisations across Hong Kong to assist the victims and their families. The tragedy has highlighted ongoing concerns about building safety and regulatory oversight in one of the world's most densely populated cities.
