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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 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 Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, 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.