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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, 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 anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

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

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.