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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

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 necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, 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 security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.