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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand 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, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements 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 media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration 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 exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.