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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the search continues. Approximately forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

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

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.