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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

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