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Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about 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 tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

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

News outlets also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

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