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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National 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. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, 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, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.