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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard 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 cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

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

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.