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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 growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, 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.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, 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: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

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

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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