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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the operation continues. About forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

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

News outlets also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the detention of citizens. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, these crimes are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order trumps everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals employing cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of previous campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual informed media that he was only “putting forward very basic demands”.

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, 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.