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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

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

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

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