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Authorities in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is expected to rise higher as the operation goes on. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury 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 voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, officials said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. 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.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be disclosed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by targeting the person who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to stir up “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon took over from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“Should these suggestions are considered subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he said.