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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities 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 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the search continues. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly 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 alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.