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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained 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 responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual 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 accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

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