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Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson 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 profit at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“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 right,” he said.