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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry 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 the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. 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 internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student 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 accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.