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

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained 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 “putting forward fundamental requests”.

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