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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. 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 standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples 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 cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.