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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

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

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered 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 right,” he stated.