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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams 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 seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put 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.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

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