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Authorities in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search 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 most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern 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 dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.