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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

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

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.