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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers 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 number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy 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 Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas 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 correct,” he said.