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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to the recent devastating fire, amidst growing criticism over the arrests of civilians calling for responsibility.

Search Continues as Death Toll Climbs

Emergency services continued to search through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on the start of the week, following the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is anticipated to climb higher as the operation goes on. About forty people are currently missing.

Construction Work Connected with Cause of Blaze

The housing complex, housing nearly five thousand people, had been undergoing extensive renovations that have been linked to the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and poor oversight of standards, spurred on by revelations that residents had been complaining about the renovations for a year.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, authorities said the anti-graft agency had detained 13 people over the disaster so far, including the executives and an technical advisor of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Revealed

A senior official stated that seven of 20 tested specimens of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet fire-retardant standards. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant material had been put in areas hard to reach in order to evade detection, labeling it a “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of people’s lives,” he said.

Civilians Arrested Amid Calls for Accountability

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that government authorities had issued multiple apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Conversely, two members of the public were allegedly taken into custody by national security police.

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

Reports said the individual was detained for “seditious intention”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

Local media also covered the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Detentions

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “inaccurate comments on the internet” that were intended to undermine public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Specifics of the operation cannot be disclosed as they concern national security.”

Public Reaction and Parallels Drawn

On local online platforms, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said one.

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

A different user said: “Since 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 issues.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The arrests followed advisories by national security authorities that they would crack down on anyone considered to be using the tragedy to incite “anti-China” sentiment.

Before the detentions, officials had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters rapidly established aid operations, with hundreds of people using vehicles and transit to bring in mountains of clothes, supplies and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were monitoring the area, and government officials eventually took over from the community coordinators.

The petition over which the student was reportedly detained was initiated late on Friday. Its “four points” echoed the language of past protest movements but did not advocate systemic reform.

The student informed reporters that he was only “proposing fundamental demands”.

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