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Authorities in the city have detained thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens demanding responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, fuelled by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities 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 “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were compliant, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any corrupt or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation 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 secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people criticised the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with heavy sentences. Stability trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

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 incident to stir up “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, officials had already begun showing heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing cars and public transport to deliver large quantities of clothes, food and other essentials for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the area, and government officials eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the individual was allegedly detained was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he said.