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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

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

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

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

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.