Hong Kong Arrests 13 on Suspected Charges of Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Construction Work 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 escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, 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.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

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