Hong Kong Detains Thirteen on Suspicion of Manslaughter Over Apartment Fires

Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 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 manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty 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 put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

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