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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the search continues. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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