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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

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, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, 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 arrests came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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