Hong Kong Arrests 13 on Suspicion of Involuntary Manslaughter Over Residential Fires

Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

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 rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

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

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, 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 launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“If these ideas 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 right,” he said.