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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations 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 arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a local 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 corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.