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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities 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 Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media 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”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.