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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, 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 complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, 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 Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The student informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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