Hong Kong Detains Thirteen on Suspected Charges of Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand 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, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the disaster 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 Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine 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.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.