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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid growing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 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, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials 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. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to undermine public 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 concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

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