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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“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 sincerely think is right,” he stated.