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Authorities in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About forty people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official 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 materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

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

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

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

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.