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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

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

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

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

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