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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens 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 official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

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

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.