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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official 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 samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “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. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.