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Authorities in Hong Kong have detained 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty 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 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 human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.