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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen 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 senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

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

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, 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.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed media that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.