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Officials in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

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