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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, 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 aftermath, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered 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 protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“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 truly believe is correct,” he said.