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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to 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 fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

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 accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

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

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said one.

Several users made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with severe penalties. 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, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental requests”.

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