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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

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 city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state 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 trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.