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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to 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, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor 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 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

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