Anger and grief have enveloped Hong Kong following a devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court high-rise apartment complex, which tragically claimed the lives of over 128 individuals. As the city mourns, Beijing has issued warnings against using this catastrophe as a means to disrupt the region's stability. The financial hub is witnessing an outpouring of sorrow from its residents, many of whom are demanding accountability and answers regarding the circumstances surrounding this disaster.
On Saturday, authorities detained a 24-year-old university student named Miles Kwan, who was part of a group advocating for government accountability in the wake of the fire. This group initiated a petition calling for an independent investigation into potential corruption, proper resettlement for affected residents, and a review of the construction oversight processes. The petition had amassed over 10,000 signatures before being closed, indicating a significant public demand for transparency. A second petition, echoing the same calls for justice, has also been launched by a Tai Po resident currently living abroad.
In a comment on the new petition, one supporter expressed the sentiment shared by many, stating, “Hongkongers demand the truth and justice.” The fire, which rapidly engulfed seven high-rise blocks in the northern Tai Po district, has shocked the community and prompted the authorities to initiate both criminal and corruption investigations.
The cause of the blaze remains undetermined, as authorities continue to search for more victims, with 150 people still reported missing. Hong Kong police have yet to respond to queries about the arrest and the ongoing investigations. In an effort to quell public unrest, China's national security authorities have cautioned against exploiting the tragedy for political gains, emphasizing that any such actions will not go unpunished under the national security law.
In total, 11 individuals have been arrested in connection with what is being termed Hong Kong's worst fire disaster in nearly 80 years. Investigations are focusing on possible corruption and the use of unsafe materials during recent renovations at the Wang Fuk Court complex. Rescue operations concluded on Friday, but police have indicated that further searches may yield additional bodies, as the hazardous, charred remains of the buildings are meticulously examined.
The devastating fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon, quickly spreading through seven of the eight 32-story buildings at the complex, which were enveloped in bamboo scaffolding and covered with green mesh insulation. This tragic event has drawn attention to the safety measures—or lack thereof—implemented in the residential complex, which is home to over 4,600 residents.
Reports indicate that the fire alarms within the Wang Fuk Court estate were malfunctioning prior to the disaster, raising serious questions about the building's safety protocols. Alarmingly, the city's Labour Department had assured residents just last year that they faced “relatively low fire risks,” despite ongoing concerns regarding fire hazards associated with the renovations. Residents had specifically voiced worries about the flammability of the protective materials used during the renovation process.
As the investigation continues, donations from both large corporations and community groups have flooded in to support the victims' families. The fire has reignited discussions about building safety regulations in Hong Kong, drawing parallels to the last major fire disaster in 1948, which resulted in 176 fatalities. The residents of Wang Fuk Court are now left grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy, advocating for change to prevent such a disaster from happening again.