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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting 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 hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

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

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

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

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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