13 people arrested for suspected manslaughter in Hong Kong fire

Hong Kong's anti-corruption officials apprehended five additional individuals on Monday linked to last week's devastating apartment fire, bringing the total number of suspects potentially facing manslaughter charges to 13. The tragic incident has claimed 151 lives, with roughly 40 residents still missing.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is conducting an extensive inquiry, targeting key figures such as the directors of the primary construction contractor and an engineering consultant involved in the project. Among those detained are 12 men and one woman, aged between 44 and 77, including leaders of subcontractors responsible for scaffolding and the building exteriors.

The blaze occurred in the 31-story Wang Fuk Court in the New Territories, which houses 4,600 residents and was undergoing significant renovation. Initial investigations suggest bamboo scaffolding covered in nylon mesh may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Public outrage has grown due to alleged prior safety violations by the contractor and perceived lapses in regulatory oversight, despite numerous complaints filed by residents over the past year. Chief Secretary Eric Chan revealed that tests of 20 samples of the mesh netting showed seven did not meet fire-retardant standards. He noted that initial inspections suggested compliance, but further testing from less accessible areas revealed substandard materials had been intentionally used to evade detection. Chan described this practice as "shameful" and criticized the profit-driven approach that endangered lives.

Authorities also reported malfunctioning fire alarms within the buildings. In response to safety concerns, the government halted 30 other construction projects across Hong Kong, most managed by the same contractor responsible for Wang Fuk Court renovations.

The handling of the disaster has raised questions about accountability, as no officials have been formally held responsible, while three members of the public were detained under national security laws for alleged sedition. Among them were former district councilman Kenneth Cheung and a volunteer aiding fire victims, accused of inciting anti-government sentiment, and student Miles Kwan, who initiated an online petition demanding support for victims and accountability for both government and contractor negligence. Kwan maintained that his actions sought only basic remedies, drawing parallels in media commentary to past pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

Social media reactions to the arrests have been sharply critical, with many mocking authorities for prioritizing national security over accountability for the fire. Comments highlighted fears that dissenting voices could be silenced, undermining governance and public trust in Hong Kong.

Author: Sophia Brooks