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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. 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, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.