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

Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po 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 search continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy 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”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

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

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

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

The student informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

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