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

Authorities in the city have detained thirteen individuals 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 Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media 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 online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.