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Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong 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 negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.