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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody 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 responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against 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. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.