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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.