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Authorities in the city have detained 13 individuals on suspected charges of manslaughter related to the recent catastrophic blaze, amid increasing public outcry over the detentions of civilians calling for responsibility.

Ongoing Rescue Operations as Death Toll Climbs

Rescue teams continued to search through the seven-building complex of the Wang Fuk Court residential area in the Tai Po district on Monday, days after the city’s deadliest fire in 75 years. The death toll reached one hundred and fifty-one and is expected to rise further as the operation goes on. About 40 people are currently missing.

Construction Work Linked to Cause of Blaze

The estate, home to nearly five thousand people, had been in the midst of major refurbishment that have been associated with the origin of the blaze. In the aftermath, public fury has grown over alleged previous safety breaches by the contractor working at the location and lax enforcement of safety codes, fuelled by revelations that residents had been complaining about the work for a twelve months.

Arrests Include Company Directors

On the afternoon of Monday, officials said the anti-graft agency had detained thirteen people over the tragedy so far, including the directors and an engineering consultant of a contracting firm, and had “immediately begun comprehensive investigation along the lines of involuntary manslaughter”.

Substandard Materials Uncovered

A top administrator stated that 7 of 20 tested samples of the mesh netting used around the towers did not meet flame-resistance requirements. Initial testing had found samples were up to code, but the spokesperson said the less expensive, noncompliant netting had been installed in areas hard to reach in order to avoid discovery, describing it as a “deplorable deed”.

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

Civilians Detained Amid Calls for Answers

As allegations of safety lapses mount, alongside reports that official bodies had issued several apparently ignored cautions, residents have asked why no officials have yet faced consequences. Instead, two civilians were allegedly arrested by security forces.

One individual, named as a local student, was detained over an online petition that made “four demands” for assured assistance for the victims and accountability for those at to blame, including any corrupt or culpable public servants.

Reports said the student was detained for “inciting disaffection”. Law enforcement did not confirm the arrest, saying only that they “will act according to actual circumstances and in compliance with the law”.

News outlets also covered the arrest 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 intended to threaten public security. “Therefore, we must take necessary steps, including law enforcement measures,” the secretary told a press conference. “Operational details cannot be revealed as they concern national security.”

Social Media Response and Comparisons Drawn

On Hong Kong social media, people condemned the arrests of civilians. “State security must be given precedence even if the victims are still trapped in the building,” said one.

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

A different user said: “Now that we are following the mainland’s methods, by targeting the person who raises the question, no one will dare to ask, and thus Hong Kong’s governance will have no problems.”

Increased Scrutiny and Community Response

The detentions came after warnings by security officials that they would take action against anyone deemed to be using the incident to incite “anti-China” feelings.

Prior to the detentions, officials had already demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the public reaction. Following the suppression of earlier protests, civilian gatherings have been strictly regulated. In the immediate aftermath, community volunteers rapidly established relief efforts, with hundreds of people employing cars and public transport to deliver mountains of clothes, food and other necessities for the survivors.

Nevertheless, by evening, armed police were patrolling the vicinity, and public authorities eventually took over from the volunteer organisers.

The appeal over which the individual was allegedly arrested was launched on Friday evening. Its “four demands” echoed the terminology of past campaigns but did not advocate political change.

The individual told media that he was only “putting forward fundamental demands”.

“Should these suggestions are deemed seditious or ‘transgressive’, then I feel I can’t predict the consequences of anything any more, and I can only do what I truly believe is correct,” he said.