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Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are still missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

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, anger has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and poor oversight of safety codes, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated comprehensive investigation along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

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

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to threaten public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Some commenters drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the individual who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the survivors.

However, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not call for systemic reform.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.