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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations 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. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

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

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.