Hong Kong Arrests 13 on Suspicion of Involuntary Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net 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, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

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

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, 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 Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

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

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive 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 said.