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Authorities in the city have taken into custody thirteen people on suspected charges of involuntary manslaughter related to last week’s catastrophic blaze, amidst increasing criticism over the detentions of citizens calling for accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Rises

Rescue teams persisted in combing through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court estate in the Tai Po district on Monday, following the most fatal blaze in 75 years. The number of fatalities rose to 151 and is anticipated to climb further as the operation continues. Approximately 40 people are currently unaccounted for.

Construction Work Linked to Fire’s Cause

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of extensive renovations that have been associated with the fire’s cause. In the wake of the tragedy, anger has grown over reported past safety violations by the construction company working at the site and lax enforcement of standards, spurred on by disclosures that occupants had been voicing concerns over the renovations for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Company Directors

On Monday afternoon, authorities said anti-corruption authorities had arrested 13 people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an technical advisor of a construction company, and had “promptly initiated a thorough probe along the lines of manslaughter”.

Safety Failures Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of twenty tested specimens of the scaffolding net used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples were up to code, but the official said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas difficult to access in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Citizens Detained Amid Calls for Accountability

As accusations of safety violations grow, alongside revelations that official bodies had issued multiple apparently unenforced warnings, residents have asked why no officials have yet been held accountable. Conversely, two members of the public were reportedly taken into custody by security forces.

A person, named as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four requests” for guaranteed support for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the student was arrested for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not verify the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also reported the detention of a ex-local representative.

Official Response on Arrests

Questioned about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements on the internet” that were aimed to threaten national security. “As a result, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a media briefing. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Social Media Response and Parallels Made

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

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

A different user said: “Since we are aligning with mainland China’s approach, by dealing with the individual who raises the question, nobody will venture to question, and thus the city's administration will have no problems.”

Heightened Sensitivity and Volunteer Efforts

The arrests followed advisories by security officials that they would crack down on anyone deemed to be using the tragedy to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Prior to the arrests, authorities had already demonstrated increased vigilance to the community response. Since the quelling of earlier unrest, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, volunteer supporters quickly organized relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and transit to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by nightfall, officers were monitoring the area, and public authorities soon assumed control from the community coordinators.

The appeal over which the student was allegedly arrested was launched late on Friday. Its “four points” mirrored the language of past campaigns but did not call for political change.

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

“Should these suggestions are deemed subversive or ‘transgressive’, then I believe I cannot foresee the outcomes of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is right,” he stated.