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Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

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