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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual informed 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 any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.