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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal 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.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. 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”.

News outlets also covered the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing vehicles and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive 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.