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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area 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 rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

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

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.