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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 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, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, 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. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore 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 exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

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

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.