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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security 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 police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state 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 dead are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver mountains 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 reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

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