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Officials in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing criticism over the arrests of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The number of fatalities reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the search continues. About 40 people are still unaccounted for.

Renovations Connected with Fire’s Cause

The estate, housing almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has escalated over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On Monday afternoon, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found materials were up to code, but the official said the cheaper, noncompliant material had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

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

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for assured assistance for the victims and responsibility for those at to blame, including any negligent or culpable government officials.

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

Local media also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Arrests

Questioned about the arrests, the security chief said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including police action,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be prioritised even if the dead are still trapped in the building,” said one.

Some commenters made parallels to mainland China. “The mainland, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Increased Scrutiny and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “hostile” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the community response. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with many individuals using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon took over from the volunteer organisers.

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

The individual informed media that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

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