Hong Kong authorities Detains Thirteen on Suspected Charges of Manslaughter Over Residential Blaze

Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area 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 anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

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 directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports 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 accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned 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 media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.