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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual 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 detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

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

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.