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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the search continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency 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 manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples 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 less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons 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 building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

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