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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, 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 specimens 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 official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, 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 approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.