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

Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant 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 people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible 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 compliance with the law”.

Local media also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

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