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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex 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 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified 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 to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.