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Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

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

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

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

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.