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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. About forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor 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 detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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