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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand 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, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.