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Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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 “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

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

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

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

Another said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.