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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

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.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.