Hong Kong Detains Thirteen on Suspicion of Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor 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 samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

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