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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the search continues. About forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator 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 compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

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

Local media also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes 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 following mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious 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 sincerely think is right,” he stated.