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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the search continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents 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 Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, 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 survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

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