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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

News outlets also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.