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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to 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 site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen 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 involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and accountability for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the arrests, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to bring in mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.