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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex 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 anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

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

News outlets 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 “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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