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Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll 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 city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

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

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

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