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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger 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 renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun 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 materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.