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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, 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 official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. 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 garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.