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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll 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 city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location 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 the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, 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 up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. 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 demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

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