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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

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

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” 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 disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

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

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

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

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.