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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services 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 number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation 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 towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

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