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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

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

The student told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.