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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

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

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

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

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.