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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, 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 “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. 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”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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