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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, 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 disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations 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 civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

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

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one 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 deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

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