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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the search continues. Approximately forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to 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 reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal 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.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

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

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious 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 right,” he said.