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

Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams 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 seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

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