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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. 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 safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor 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 buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

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

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

Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

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

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, 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 stated.