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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven 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 spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances 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 security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

The student told media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“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.