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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services 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, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing nearly 5,000 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 grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

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

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.