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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding 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 Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants 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 detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

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

Local media also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.