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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, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations 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 arrested 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”.

Safety Failures 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 cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

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

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

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.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

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

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

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