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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

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