Hong Kong Student Leaves Police Station After Calling for Independent Probe into Deadly Tower-Block Fire

Miles Kwan, a 24-year-old Hong Kong student, left the Cheung Sha Wan Division police station on Monday afternoon after reportedly being detained for distributing leaflets that called for an independent investigation into the Wang Fuk Court fire that killed 146 people.

Kwan exited the station in a taxi, briefly lowering his face mask to acknowledge reporters but offering no comment. He was one of the organizers behind a petition demanding accountability and reform following the blaze, which has been described as the world’s deadliest residential building fire since 1980.

Demands and alleged detention

The petition sought:

• official accountability;
• an independent inquiry into possible corruption;
• proper resettlement for affected residents; and
• a review of construction oversight and safety enforcement.

Local reports say national security police arrested Kwan on suspicion of having a "seditious intention," and that two other people, including former district councillor Kenneth Cheung, were also detained in connection with the campaign. Authorities declined to confirm the reports, saying only that they will act "according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law."

Kwan's response and broader probe

Kwan has said he was merely "proposing very basic demands" and warned that if such ideas are deemed seditious he cannot predict the consequences, but will continue to stand by his beliefs. Hong Kong's anti-corruption commission has separately arrested 11 people linked to the blaze, and three of those have also been detained by police on manslaughter-related allegations.

Public reaction

Hundreds of mourners continue to gather near Wang Fuk Court, leaving messages and notes of remembrance that increasingly call for answers and transparency. Many of the messages express grief and demand accountability from authorities.

"Rest in peace, Hongkongers don't give up on freedom and truth, don't stop being angry," read one unsigned note.

"Hope your deaths were not in vain, the truth must come out for your sakes," read another.

The deadly fire has intensified scrutiny of building safety, oversight and official responsibility in Hong Kong, and the situation remains a focal point for public concern and calls for an independent review.