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

Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious 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.