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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex 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 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.