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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, 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 towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials 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 up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls 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 taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

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

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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