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Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal 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 advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.