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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations 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, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

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