Hong Kong police arrest activist over petition demanding accountability for deadly fire that killed 128, as Beijing warns against using tragedy to disrupt city.
HONG KONG: Anger simmered across Hong Kong on Sunday over a deadly high-rise blaze that killed 128 people, as Beijing warned against attempts to use the disaster to disrupt the city.
Police detained university student Miles Kwan, 24, on suspicion of trying to incite sedition in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po district.
Kwan was part of a group that launched a petition demanding government accountability, an independent corruption probe, proper resettlement for residents, and a review of construction oversight.
The online petition reached over 10,000 signatures before being closed, while a second petition with identical demands has been launched by an overseas resident.
China’s national security authorities issued a stern warning against those attempting to “disrupt Hong Kong through disaster” following the tragedy.
Authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the city’s worst blaze in nearly 80 years as they investigate possible corruption and unsafe materials used during renovations.
The fire started on Wednesday afternoon and rapidly engulfed seven of eight 32-storey blocks wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh for renovations.
Rescue operations concluded on Friday, though police warned they may find more bodies while combing through the hazardous, burnt-out buildings in coming weeks.
Authorities confirmed fire alarms at the Wang Fuk Court estate, home to over 4,600 people, had not been working properly.
Residents had raised concerns about fire hazards in September 2024, including about the potential flammability of protective green mesh covering the bamboo scaffolding.
The Labour Department had previously told residents they faced “relatively low fire risks” despite their complaints.
Donations have poured in from companies and groups to assist victims of the deadliest fire since 1948, when 176 people died in a warehouse blaze.
