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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.