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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

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

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.