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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

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

Local media also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.