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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with 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 wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

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 technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

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 corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

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