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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” 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 arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings 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 large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.