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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid growing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex 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 number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently 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 local student, was arrested 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.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, 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 Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, 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.