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Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams 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 number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 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 specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, the public have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong 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 corrupt or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered 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 sincerely think is correct,” he said.