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

Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

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 fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state 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 victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

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