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Officials in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.