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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified 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 culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.