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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over alleged previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by national security police.

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

Reports said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, no one will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

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

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using vehicles and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

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

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