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Officials in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment 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 contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

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

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and therefore Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of previous protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he stated.