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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search 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 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.