The fire, the deadliest in 75 years, is believed to be linked to ongoing renovations at the estate, raising concerns about safety violations and inadequate enforcement of standards.
Among those arrested are directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company involved in the renovations. Chief Secretary Eric Chan reported that some scaffolding materials failed fire-retardant tests, indicating potential negligence.
However, police have also detained three civilians, including student Miles Kwan, for calling for accountability and support for victims, citing “seditious intention.” This has sparked public outrage, with many criticizing the authorities for prioritizing national security over community safety and accountability.
Authorities also arrested ex-district Councillor Kenneth Cheung Kam-hung and an unidentified volunteer who managed supplies for survivors on Sunday, according to multiple reports, a day after the arrest of Kwan, The Standard newspaper reported.
Kwan, a 24-year-old student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, after he created an online petition calling for greater transparency and accountability from the government, multiple reports said.
The petition included four demands, including the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to probe the circumstances of the fire, including whether potential conflicts of interest may have contributed to the disaster. Residents have expressed frustration over past safety complaints that went unaddressed and the perceived lack of consequences for officials.
