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Authorities in the city have taken into custody 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of civilians 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 Tai Po on the start of the week, following the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, anger has grown over reported previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had arrested thirteen people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an engineering consultant of a construction company, and had “immediately begun a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Revealed

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the scaffolding net used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found materials were up to code, but the spokesperson said the cheaper, substandard material had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “shameful act”.

“Their sole aim was to make money at the cost of people’s lives,” he said.

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, the public have asked why no government figures have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two civilians were allegedly arrested 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 accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the student was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in accordance with the law”.

News outlets also reported 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. “Therefore, we must take appropriate measures, including law enforcement measures,” the official told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

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

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are following mainland China’s methods, by dealing with the person who raises the question, nobody will dare to ask, and therefore the city's administration will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the incident to stir up “anti-China” sentiment.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, civilian gatherings have been tightly controlled. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using cars and public transport to deliver mountains of garments, supplies and other necessities for the survivors.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was reportedly detained was launched on Friday evening. Its “four points” mirrored the terminology of past protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

“If these ideas are considered seditious or ‘crossing the line’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.