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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

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

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

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

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.