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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly 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.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.