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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities 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 city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

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

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings 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 detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive 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 right,” he stated.