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Authorities in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following 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 continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company 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 Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, 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 mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm 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 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 threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, 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 large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

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

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

The individual informed reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.