Hong Kong Arrests 13 on Suspicion of Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.