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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen 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”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians 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 officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

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 corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“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 right,” he stated.