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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly 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 escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven 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 less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, 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 former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, 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 said.