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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 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 grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, 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.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.