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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

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