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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About forty 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 associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives 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 top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed 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.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified 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 to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, 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 warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

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