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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

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 city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

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

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve 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 building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive 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.