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Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po 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 operation goes on. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing almost five thousand people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that occupants had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Reports said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Arrests

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

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said one.

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

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the days following the fire, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was allegedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The individual told reporters that he was only “putting forward very basic requests”.

“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 correct,” he said.