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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster 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 Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

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

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.