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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing public outcry over the arrests of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise further as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are still unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, the public have questioned why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, named as a Hong Kong student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine national 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 involve national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said a comment.

Several users made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s approach, by targeting the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus the city's administration will have no issues.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the area, and public authorities eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not advocate political change.

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

“If these ideas are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.