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Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.