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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

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 construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained 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.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

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