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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

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