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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing 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 site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, named 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 corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.