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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

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

Official Response on Detentions

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

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

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

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.