Hong Kong authorities Detains Thirteen on Suspicion of Involuntary Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.