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Officials in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to last week’s devastating fire, amidst increasing public outcry over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Search Continues as Fatalities Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the city’s deadliest fire in seven and a half decades. The death toll reached 151 and is anticipated to climb higher as the search goes on. Approximately 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, home to nearly 5,000 people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, 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 voicing concerns over the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of twenty tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to evade detection, labeling it a “shameful act”.

“They just wanted to profit at the cost of people’s lives,” the official stated.

Civilians Arrested Amid Demands for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside revelations that government authorities had issued several seemingly unenforced warnings, residents have questioned why no officials have yet been held accountable. Instead, two civilians were reportedly arrested by security forces.

A person, identified as a local student, was arrested over an online petition that made “four demands” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or culpable public servants.

Reports said the individual was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Police did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will act according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

News outlets also reported the arrest of a former district councillor.

Government Statement on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments online” that were aimed to undermine national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, such acts are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Stability overrides everything.”

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

Heightened Sensitivity and Community Response

The arrests came after advisories by national security authorities that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the quelling of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to deliver large quantities of garments, supplies and other essentials for the victims.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling 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 demands” echoed the terminology of previous campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are considered seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is right,” he stated.