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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor 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 Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities 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 Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net 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 installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police 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 reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

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