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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun 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 buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious 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.