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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

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