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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.