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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams 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 expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand 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 alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas 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 right,” he said.