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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.