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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

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 city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 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, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

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

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed seditious 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.