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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex 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 further as the search goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations 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 location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed 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,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, 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, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

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

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed 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 correct,” he said.