Hong Kong authorities Arrests 13 on Suspicion of Involuntary Manslaughter Over Apartment Fires

Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

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