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

Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media 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 legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

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

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.