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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

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, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, 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 civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed 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 national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’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 came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.