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Officials in Hong Kong have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

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 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 currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

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

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, 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 incite “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.