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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues 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 Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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 “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.