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Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

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

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

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