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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, 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 crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, food 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 appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.