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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

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

Local media also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.