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

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.