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Officials in the city have detained 13 people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid growing public outcry over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, 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 “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also covered the arrest 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 national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “They are typically met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the quelling of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using vehicles and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I can’t predict the outcomes of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he said.