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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.