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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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