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

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search 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 reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. About forty people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to profit at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following 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 public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.