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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national 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 concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.