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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials 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”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities 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.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” 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 condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.