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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several 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.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control 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 previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.