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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

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