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Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material 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 people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons 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 overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Before the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people employing cars and transit to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” echoed the language of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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