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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary 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 fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

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

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed subversive 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.