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Officials in the city have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with 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 aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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 accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

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