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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

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

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

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