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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

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 city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant 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 expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.