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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams 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 number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with 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 lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official 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 samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations 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 security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

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

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

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

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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