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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “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 person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

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

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

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