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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing 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 death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe 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 towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.