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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing public outcry over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. About forty people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, 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 law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve 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 trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver mountains of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.