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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex 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 death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody 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 affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

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

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.