Hong Kong Detains Thirteen on Suspicion of Manslaughter Over Apartment Blaze

Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting 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 Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.