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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after 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 continues. About forty people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 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 escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the disaster so far, including the directors 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 senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As allegations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible public servants.

Reports said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “There, these crimes are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who asks questions, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions came after warnings by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other essentials for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed 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 correct,” he said.