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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

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

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public 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 guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify 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.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.