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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.