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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding 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 Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians 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 victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and transit to bring in mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

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