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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons 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.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.