Hong Kong Detains Thirteen on Suspicion of Involuntary Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

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

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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