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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy 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 Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

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

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

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

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.