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Authorities in the city have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. About 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also covered the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

“If these ideas are considered subversive 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 truly believe is right,” he said.