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Officials in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the recent devastating fire, amid increasing criticism over the arrests of civilians demanding responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Rises

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, days after the most fatal blaze in seven and a half decades. The death toll rose to one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise higher as the search continues. Approximately 40 people are still missing.

Renovations Linked to Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing almost 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 construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that residents had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were compliant, but the official said the less expensive, substandard netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by national security police.

One individual, identified as a Hong Kong student, was detained over an online petition that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any corrupt or culpable government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Police did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also reported the arrest of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were intended to undermine public security. “As a result, we must take appropriate measures, including police action,” the official told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve national security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “National security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to mainland China. “There, these crimes are termed ‘creating disturbances’,” said one commenter. “They are typically met with severe penalties. Social order trumps everything.”

Another said: “Since we are following the mainland’s approach, by dealing with the individual who asks questions, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The detentions followed warnings by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be exploiting the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Before the detentions, authorities had already begun showing increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

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

The petition over which the individual was allegedly arrested was initiated late on Friday. Its “four demands” mirrored the terminology of previous protest movements but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘crossing the line’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of any action any more, and I can only do what I sincerely think is correct,” he stated.