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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

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

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“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 sincerely think is right,” he stated.