Hong Kong authorities Detains Thirteen on Suspicion of Manslaughter Over Apartment Fires

Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.