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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. Approximately forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.