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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials 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 cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, 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 former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“If these ideas 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 sincerely think is right,” he stated.