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Officials in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, 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 seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Before the arrests, 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 quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions 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 correct,” he said.