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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy 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”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed 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 correct,” he stated.