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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search continues. Approximately forty people are currently unaccounted for.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been put in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the expense of human lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were reportedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was arrested 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.

Local media said the student was arrested for “seditious intention”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the legal framework”.

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

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the security chief said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Made

On local online platforms, people condemned the detention of citizens. “State security must be prioritised even if the victims are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “They are typically punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to incite “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals employing vehicles and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, armed police were monitoring the vicinity, and government officials soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed media that he was only “putting forward fundamental requests”.

“If these ideas are deemed seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I cannot foresee the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.