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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious 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.