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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations 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 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 still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

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

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

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