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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of 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. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

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

Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.