Hong Kong Detains Thirteen on Suspected Charges of Involuntary Manslaughter Over Residential Fires

Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged 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 year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

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

News outlets also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

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

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

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