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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of 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 site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

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

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, 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 aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

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