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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to 151 and is expected to rise further as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 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, public fury has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant 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 specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, these crimes are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.