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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster 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 senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

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

Government Statement on Detentions

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

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

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