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Authorities in Hong Kong have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims 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 one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed seditious 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.