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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing 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 one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the search continues. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing 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 poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media 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”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious 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 correct,” he stated.