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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amid growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on Monday, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Connected with Fire’s Cause

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that occupants had been complaining about the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

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

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“They just wanted to make money at the cost of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Detained Amid Demands for Answers

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the affected families and responsibility for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the arrests, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the official told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern state security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the dead are still buried in the building,” said one.

Some commenters drew comparisons to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are termed ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually met with severe penalties. Stability trumps everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

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

Before the arrests, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

The petition over which the student was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

The individual told media that he was only “proposing very basic demands”.

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious 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 right,” he stated.