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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

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

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state 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 victims are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered 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 sincerely think is right,” he stated.