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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations 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 number of fatalities rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said anti-corruption authorities had detained thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were compliant, but the official said the cheaper, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

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 individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

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

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said a comment.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Social order overrides everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the vicinity, and public authorities soon took over from the community coordinators.

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

The individual informed reporters that he was only “proposing very basic requests”.

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