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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

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 up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm 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.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

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

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 advocate political change.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.