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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests 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, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material 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 people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions 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 correct,” he stated.