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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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