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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following 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 further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

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

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

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

Local media also reported the detention 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 aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.