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Authorities in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search 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 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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 contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations 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 taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

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

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order 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 Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.