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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of 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 construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities 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 “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.