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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

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

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised 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 mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.