Hong Kong Arrests 13 on Suspected Charges of Involuntary Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.