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Officials in the city have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures 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 arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials 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 online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, 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 police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.