Hong Kong Arrests 13 on Suspicion of Manslaughter Over Apartment Fires

Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding 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 Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous 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 considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.