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Officials in the city have detained 13 people on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the recent catastrophic blaze, amidst growing criticism over the detentions of citizens demanding accountability.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Fatalities Climbs

Emergency services persisted in combing through the seven towers of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po on the start of the week, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached 151 and is expected to rise higher as the search goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Renovations Connected with Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to almost 5,000 people, had been undergoing major refurbishment that have been linked to the fire’s cause. In the aftermath, public fury has escalated over alleged past safety violations by the contractor working at the site and poor oversight of standards, fuelled by revelations that residents had been voicing concerns over the work for a twelve months.

Those Detained Include Corporate Executives

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

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that seven of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the buildings did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Preliminary checks had found samples 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 “deplorable deed”.

“Their sole aim was to profit at the expense of human lives,” the official stated.

Citizens Arrested Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety violations mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several seemingly ignored cautions, residents have questioned why no government figures have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, identified as a local student, was detained over an internet appeal that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at fault, including any negligent or responsible government officials.

Local media said the individual was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the detention, saying only that they “will take actions according to the situation and in accordance with the legal framework”.

Local media also covered the detention of a former district councillor.

Official Response on Arrests

Asked about the detentions, the secretary of security said there had been “misleading statements online” that were aimed to threaten national security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Specifics of the operation cannot be revealed as they involve state security.”

Public Reaction and Comparisons Made

On local online platforms, people criticised the detention of citizens. “State security must be given precedence even if the dead are still trapped in the structure,” said a comment.

Several users drew comparisons to the Chinese mainland. “There, such acts are called ‘picking quarrels and provoking trouble’,” said a user. “It’s usually punished with severe penalties. Social order overrides everything.”

A different user said: “Now that we are aligning with the mainland’s methods, 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 detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone considered to be exploiting the incident to stir up “hostile” sentiment.

Before the arrests, officials had already begun showing increased vigilance to the community response. Since the suppression of earlier protests, public assemblies have been strictly regulated. In the days following the fire, volunteer supporters rapidly established relief efforts, with many individuals using cars and public transport to bring in large quantities of garments, food and other necessities for the victims.

However, by evening, officers were patrolling the vicinity, and government officials eventually assumed control from the volunteer organisers.

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

The student told reporters that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

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