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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard 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 expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

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

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

“If these ideas 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.