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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained 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 executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine national 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 concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

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